PREFACE 



The object of this work is two-fold ; first to show the great 

 and important part played by Insects in the economy of the 

 world, and the extreme value to mankind of those insects 

 which we are accustomed to call Destructives ; and next to 

 note the wonderful modifications of structure which enable 

 the insects to fulfil their mission, and the surpassing beauty 

 with which many of them are endowed. 



Incidentally, many interesting points connected with insect 

 life are described, as, for example, the manner in which many 

 of them directly support human life by furnishing food, or 

 being themselves eaten. 



Thus Bees not only furnish honey, but in several countries 

 are themselves eaten while in the state of grub-dom, together 

 with the " bee-bread " which has been laid up in the cells. 

 Several Wasp larvae share the same fate. 



Then, there are the Locusts, which, although they destroy 

 vegetable life, are in many parts of the world invaluable in 

 preserving animal life, by furnishing food, not only to man, but 

 to beasts, birds, and reptiles. Termites, again, form a favourite 

 article of food in almost every country where they are found ; 

 while in Australia, the fat-bodied Butterfly popularly called 

 the "Bugong Moth," affords nourishment to thousands of the 

 natives, and in a few weeks changes them from starvelings into 

 plump and contented beings. The Dragon Flies are employed 

 in the same manner in the same country. 



