Vi PEEFACE. 



Thus contemplated, the constructive skill, selecting judg- 

 ment, and seeming foresight of these tiny agents, as applied 

 to the preservation of themselves or offspring, are exalted 

 into themes of surpassing interest; and, as in all created 

 things there exists a purpose out of and above themselves, 

 it is evident in these displays of instinct, that the same 

 informing principle which serves in its operation to direct 

 the animal actor, is intended by its exhibition to amuse and 

 to instruct the rational spectator. To further, however little, 

 these latter purposes is the design of the ensuing pages; it 

 only remains to add a few words explanatory, if not pro- 

 pitiatory, of the mode in which this has been attempted. 



It is an approved device, and not a new one, to employ 

 amusement as conducive to higher purpose. To besprinkle 



" Di soave licor gli orli del vaso," 



to "sweeten the lip of the cup," whether it contain instruc- 

 tion in things natural or things moral, has been the practice 

 in every work seeking popularity, from the sacred Epic to 

 the familiar Exposition ; but to that now attempted of the 

 ways and wonders of the Insect world, it may possibly be 

 objected that not merely is "the cup" sweetened at its lip, 



