4.64 HYBERNATION OF INSECTS. 
inactivity and abstinence, they do not leave them, but 
quietly remain until a fresh accession of cold again in- 
duces insensibility. 
In short, to refer the hybernation of insects to the 
mere direct influence of cold, is to suppose one of the 
most important acts of their existence given up to the 
blind guidance of feelings which in the variable climates 
of Europe would be leading them into perpetual and fa- 
tal errors—which in spring would be inducing them to 
quit their ordinary occupations, and prepare retreats 
and habitations for winter to be quitted again as soon 
as a few fine days had dispelled the frosty feel of a May 
week ; and in a mild winter’s day, when the thermome- 
ter, as is often the case, rises to 50° or 55°, would lure 
them to an exposure that must destroy them. It is not, 
we may rest assured, to such a deceptious guide that the 
Creator has intrusted the safety of so important a part 
of his creatures: their destinies are regulated by feelings 
far less liable to err. . 
What, you will ask, is this regulator? I answer In- 
stinct—that faculty to which so many other of the equally 
surprising actions of insects are to be referred; and 
which alone can adequately account for the phenomena 
to be explained. Why, indeed, should we think it ne- 
cessary to go further? We are content to refer to in- 
stinct, the retirement of insects into the earth previously 
to becoming pup, and the cocoons which they then 
fabricate; and why should we not attribute to the same — 
energy, their retreat into appropriate hybernacula, and 
the construction by many species of habitations ex- 
pressly destined for their winter residence! The cages 
