Chapter Iii.--the Insect As the Agent of Nature in the Acceleration

OF DEATH AND LIFE.

The language of the insect in its immense energy, 155 A glance is directed at the order of Nature, 156 And it is shown that all forms of life must be kept within certain limits, 156 Hence, one race preys upon another, and all Nature is a scene of incessant combat, 157 In this work of destruction, and purification, the Bird and the Insect play an important part, 158 The Coleoptera bring their surprising energies to the task, 159 The insect-tribes are therefore great sanitary agents, 160 The great Guiana ants afford an illustration, 161 And the beneficent labours of the spider have secured the respect of the Siberians, 162