14 Insect Architecture. 



butterfly ; and it is for this reason that we find the butterfly 

 introduced into their allegorical sculptures as an emblem of 

 immortality. Trifling, therefore, and perhaps contemptible, 

 as to the unthinking may seem the study of a butterfly, yet 

 when we consider the art and mechanism displayed in so 

 minute a structure, the fluids circulating in vessels so 

 small as almost to escape the sight the beauty of the 

 wings and covering >and the manner in which each part is 

 adapted for its peculiar functions, we cannot but be struck 

 with wonder and admiration, and allow, with Paley, that 

 "the production of beauty was as much in the Creator's 

 mind in painting a butterfly as in giving symmetry to the 

 human form." 



A collection of insects is to the true naturalist what a 

 collection of medals is to the accurate student of history. 

 The mere collector, who looks only to the shining wings 

 of the one, or the green rust of the other, derives little 

 knowledge from his pursuit. But the cabinet of the 

 naturalist becomes rich in the most interesting subjects of 

 contemplation, when he regards it in the genuine spirit of 

 scientific inquiry. What, for instance, can be so delightful 

 as to examine the wonderful variety of structure in this 

 portion of the creation ; and, above all, to trace the beauti- 

 ful gradations by which one species runs into another ? 

 Their differences are so minute, that an unpractised eye 

 would proclaim their identity; and yet, when the species 

 are separated, and not very distantly, they become visible 

 even to the common observer. It is in examinations such 

 as these that the naturalist finds a delight of the highest 

 order. While it is thus one of the legitimate objects of his 

 study to attend to minute differences of structure, form, and 

 colouring, he is not less interested in the investigation of 

 habits and economy ; and in this respect the insect world 

 is inexhaustibly rich. We find herein examples of instinct 

 to parallel those of all the larger animals, whether they 

 are solitary or social ; and innumerable others besides, alto- 

 gether unlike those manifested in the superior departments 

 of animated nature. These instincts have various direc- 



