CHAPTER XX 



FABRE'S WRITINGS (CONTINUED) 



TN attempting to define the point of view, 

 the method, and the style of the author of 

 the Souvenirs, we have broadly sketched the 

 general characteristics of his work. In order 

 to complete our task, and to give a clear and 

 comprehensive ideu. of his art, we will now 

 venture upon a rapid analysis not of the 

 author's attitude but of the content of his 

 works. 



The Souvenirs entomologiqucs bear a 

 sub-title which perfectly describes their es- 

 sential and characteristic elements. They 

 are offered as u Studies in the Instincts and 

 Habits of the Insects," which promise us both 

 theoretical considerations and records of 

 facts : 



At the very outset, and to judge only very super- 

 ficially, it seems that these latter are the essential 

 part of the work, and the author must be consid- 

 ered before all as an admirable anecdotist, or, if you 

 will, a chronicler of animal life. But we very 



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