THE ANT-LION. 215 



number of enemies. Bradley, an English naturalist, 

 has calculated that two sparrows carry, in the course 

 of a week, above three thousand caterpillars to the 

 young in their nests. But though this is, probably, 

 much beyond the truth, it is certain that there is a 

 great and constant destruction of individuals going 

 forward ; and yet the species is never destroyed. In 

 this way a balance is kept up, by which one portion 

 of animated nature cannot usurp the means of life 

 and enjoyment which the world offers to another 

 portion. In all matters relating to reproduction, 

 Nature is prodigal in her arrangements. Insects 

 have more stages to pass through before they attain 

 their perfect growth than other creatures. The con- 

 tinuation of the species is, therefore, in many cases, 

 provided for by a much larger number of eggs being 

 deposited than ever become fertile. How many 

 larvae are produced, in comparison with the number 

 which pass into the pupa state; and how many pupae 

 perish before they become perfect insects ! Every 

 garden is covered with caterpillars ; and yet how 

 few moths and butterflies, comparatively, are seen, 

 even in the most sunny season! Insects which lay 

 few eggs are, commonly, most remarkable in their 

 contrivances for their preservation. The dangers to 

 which insect life is exposed are manifold ; and there- 

 fore are the contrivances for its preservation of the 

 most perfect kind, and invariably adapted to the 

 peculiar habits of each tribe. The same wisdom 

 determines the food of every species of insect ; and 

 thus some are found to delight in the rose-tree, and 

 some in the oak. Had it been otherwise, the balance 

 of vegetable life would not have been preserved. It 

 is for this reason that the contrivances which an 

 insect employs for obtaining its food are curious, in 

 proportion to the natural difficulties of its structure. 

 The ant-lion is carnivorous, but he has not the quick- 



