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 idea 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 entomologiques bear a 

 sub-title which perfectly describes their es- 

 sential and characteristic elements. They 

 are offered as " 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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