OF INSECTS IN GENERAL. 103 



Imperfection of these animals. 



however, from their conformation alone, that in- 

 sects are inferior to other animals, but from their 

 instincts also. It is true that the ant and the bee 

 present us with striking instances of assiduity; 

 yet even these are inferior to the marks of saga- 

 city displayed by the larger animals. A bee 

 taken from the swarm is totally helpless and 

 inactive, incapable of giving the smallest varia- 

 tions to its instincts. It has but one single 

 method of operating, and if put from that it can 

 turn to no other: in the pursuits of the hound 

 there is something like choice, but in the labors 

 of the bee the whole appears like necessity and 

 compulsion. All other animals are capable of 

 some degree of education ; their instinct may be 

 suppressed or altered; the dog may be taught to 

 fetch and carry, the bird to whistle a tune, and 

 the serpent to dance ; but the insect has only 

 one invariable method of operating ; no art can 

 turn it from its instincts; and, indeed, its life is 

 too short for instruction, as a single season often 

 terminates its existence. Their amazing number 

 is also an imperfection. It is a rule that obtains 

 through all nature, that the nobler animals are 

 slowly produced, and that Nature acts with them 

 in a kind of dignified economy ; but the meaner 

 births are lavished in profusion, and thousands 

 are produced merely to supply the necessities of 

 the more favorite part of the creation. Of all 

 productions in nature, insects are by far the most 

 numerous. The vegetables which cover the face 



