In proportion as women understand the maternal instincts of the creatures I have described, their infinite tenderness, and their ingenious prevision for the objects of their love, it will become impossible for mothers to immolate _these_ mothers, and put them to the torture! Last Words. The originating sentiment of the studies of which this book is the outcome, is also that which induced their suspension. Their primary attraction was found in Huber's revelation, in his vivid manifestation of the individuality of the insect. But that which at the first glance had seemed so paradoxical and incredible, was discovered, when verified, to fall below the reality. The spectacle of so many labours and efforts for the common good, the sight of all these meritorious existences, imposes a duty upon our conscience, and renders it more and more difficult to treat as a _thing_ the being which wills, and toils, and loves! [Illustration] [Illustration] Analysis of Subjects. INTRODUCTION. I. THE LIVING INFINITE. The writer is moved by the voices of the Insect World, 17 Which leads him to reflect on its infinite numbers, 18 He refers to his loving study of the Bird, 19 But the Bird had a language; has the Insect?, 19 In many respects, it is an enigma which Man cannot read, 20 The Insect, however, has much to plead in self-defence, 21 And between it and Man the interpreter must be Love, 22 II. OUR STUDIES AT PARIS AND IN SWITZERLAND. How the writer was assisted by his wife in his study of the Insect, 23 Woman is well adapted for such a study; and why?, 24 Her tact, delicate touch, and fine perception fit her for microscopical investigations, 24 The writer seeks a retirement near Lucerne, 25 The surrounding scenery is described, 26 And he bursts into a glowing panegyric on the Alps, 27 He discourses on the communion between Nature and the human soul, 28 This leads him to a description of a forest scene, 29 In which he recognizes the presence of the insect life, 30 A constant conflict is maintained between the insect and the plant, the latter being aided by the bird, 30 In the forest, then, lurks a hidden world, 31 The interior of an ant-hill is suddenly revealed, 32 And the effects become visible of the formic acid, 33 Reflections suggested by the ruined ant-hill, 34 III. OUR STUDIES AT FONTAINEBLEAU.