284 DIRECT BENEFITS DERIVED FROM INSECTS. 



by the Purpura of the ancients did not prevent them from 

 collecting it. 



I now conclude this long series of letters on the injuries 

 caused by insects to man, and the benefits which he derives 

 from them ; and I think you will readily admit that I have 

 sufficiently made good my position, that the study of agents 

 which perform such important functions in the economy of 

 nature must be worthy of attention. Our subsequent cor- 

 respondence will be devoted to the most interesting traits in 

 their history — as their alFection to their young, their food 

 and modes of procuring it, habitations, societies, &c. 



I am, &c. 



