Above these organisms in the scale of creation comes the insect, 89 Its individuality is explained; its mode of reproduction, 90 The insect-mother dies in producing her offspring, 91 But with extraordinary sagacity has provided for its support and protection, 92 Examples given of this wonderful maternal provision, 93 The labours of the mother-bee explained, 94 Reference to the "Nymphs of Fontainebleau," 95 CHAPTER V.--THE ORPHAN: ITS FEEBLENESS. The insect enters upon life naked and necessitous, 99 But all its wants have been carefully anticipated, 100 Night, however, is the great protection of the embryo, 101 How it endeavours to guard against cold, 102 In its necessities originate its various industries, 103 After a time comes its season of trial, 104 Of which it exhibits a marvellous presentiment, and for which it assiduously prepares, 105 CHAPTER VI.--THE MUMMY, NYMPH, OR CHRYSALIS. The meaning of the insect to the ancient Egyptians, 109 The beetle was regarded as a symbol of Eternity, 110 Has modern science swept aside the ancient poetry? 110 That it is not so, is shown by Réaumur's discoveries, 111 Which show us the marvellous changes the insect undergoes, 112 And how in each stage of growth the next is prefigured, 113 However numerous or great the changes, the individuality is preserved, 114 A future life is provided for, as in the case of the human embryo, 115 CHAPTER VII.--THE PHOENIX. Out of gloom and obscurity emerges light, 119 The metamorphosis takes place, but the insect is not at a loss, 120 Nature furnishes each species with all its needs for the new life, 121 Its vital intensity is revealed by the brightness of its colouring, 122 Insects of gay attire are found in every region, 123 Even among the snows of the Alpine peaks, 124 BOOK THE SECOND.--MISSION AND ARTS OF THE INSECT. CHAPTER I.--SWAMMERDAM. The secret of the Insect World first discovered by Swammerdam, 129 A comparison instituted between him and Galileo, 130 His early years, his favourite occupations, and his collections of insects, 131, 132 To assist him in his investigations he invented the microscope, 133 His patient labours rewarded by great discoveries, 134 Yet in his own country he was not honoured; it was in France that his work met with due appreciation, 135 Ardent devotion to science brings on premature decay, 136 Dark clouds overcast his later years, 137 He died at the age of three and forty, 138 His work is carried on by Leuwenhoek and Malpighi, 139 CHAPTER II.--THE MICROSCOPE: HAS THE INSECT A PHYSIOGNOMY?