* 



THE STAG BEETLE. 



93 



The interest we have taken ourselves in noting the ways of 

 the above and other living specimens, we would fain excite in 

 others ; but, without further instances or argument about the 

 matter, only let any body begin keeping insects, and, we answer 

 for it, he will soon begin to like them. "With keeping and liking- 

 must come of necessity increasing observation of their beauti- 

 ful and wondrous formation, and yet more admirable instincts, 

 exemplified especially in their constructive skill. With these 

 brought daily beneath our eyes, can we do otherwise than 

 raise our thoughts towards Him by whom these excellent 

 endowments were bestowed on what we shall certainly con- 

 sider no longer as the meanest of his creatures ; and if we can 

 say and feel that this is, to us, the result of keeping insects 

 laugh at us who will, it is a practice of which we need never 

 be ashamed. 



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