AUGUST. 217 



mistakes, or give way to the silly prejudices, of those who 

 have never studied tliis interesting subject. Many persons 

 have no idea that nearly all the insects they see have enjoyed 

 three distinct modes of existence ; that they all fulfil some 

 important function in nature; and that the loss of one 

 among the many different groups might cause infinite 

 distress and confusion, by allowing the undue increase of 

 others on which they depend for food ; or, by not clearing 

 the earth of corrupt animal and vegetable matter, cause 

 disease to attack those who proudly or ignorantly demand 

 the use of this apparently insignificant portion of the crea- 

 tion. The more attentively the subject is examined, the more 

 plainly will it be seen that all are governed by wise laws ; 

 that not even the meanest insect is without its appointed 

 work : well would it be for those who are at the summit of 

 earth's created beings, would they endeavour to perform 

 their share in nature's plan with as much fidelity as the 

 little Burying Beetle or the still more diminutive Ichneu- 

 mon. " Order is heaven's first law," and man alone uses 

 the intellect which raises him above the creatures of instinct 

 to rebel against it. This month is replete with beauty of 

 every kind ; fruit, flowers, and the insect world, all add to 

 the charms of the season; and though a slight tinge of 



