298 DESIGNS OF NATURE IN INSECTS. 



destruction. This is possibly a reason that the 

 larvae of phalana cossus is so plentifully found ; 

 but yet it is pretty certain that some other and 

 equally fatal visitation assails them, and reduces 

 their numbers during the long period which is re- 

 quired to perfect their state : for though, by feeding 

 and care (for they are very impatient of confine- 

 ment), we can obtain the moth in numbers, yet few 

 seem to survive and become perfected by the com- 

 mon processes of Nature at least I have seldom 

 found them in this state, though the larvae is so 

 plentifully seen. 



The designs of Supreme Intelligence in the crea- 

 tion and preservation of the insect world, and the 

 regulations and appointments whereby their increase 

 or decrease is maintained, and periodical appear- 

 ance prescribed, are among the most perplexing 

 considerations of natural history. That insects 

 are kept in reserve for stated seasons of action we 

 know, being commonly made the agents of Provi- 

 dence in his visitations of mankind. The locust, 

 the caterpillar,, the palmer worm, the various family 

 of blights^ that poison in the spring all the promise 

 of the year, are insects. Mildew, indeed, is a 

 vegetable; but the wireworm destroys the root, the 

 thrips the germe of the wheat, and hunger and fa- 

 mine ensue. Many of the coleopterae remove nui- 

 sances, others again incumbrances, and worms ma- 

 nure the soil ; but these are trite and isolated cases 

 in the profusion of the animal world ; and left 

 alone, as we are, in the desert of mere reason and 



