New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-16
HALF HOURS WITH INSECTS. by A. g. PACKARD, 4
l2mo. up. 3s4. Estes & Iaurat.

HALF HOURS WITH INSECTS. BY A. g. PACKARD. tr.
limo. up. 3Si. Estes & Iauriat
The results of wide personal observation and
exact knowledge are here presented in popular form,
illustrating the phenomena OF insect life with special rel
erence TO its human relations. Professor Packard ar
ranges the subjects OF his exposition into insects OF the
garden Of the wafer Of the panhousc Of the forest ana
tie field with greater regard 10 their practical bearing
on the of than 10 any artificial or arbitrary
classification OF the social life Of insects concerning
which the author presents variety of curious details
one Of the most remarkable examples is found in the col
onies white ants. Among these miniature animals one
set OF individuals directly minister u the wants OF
others all are Influenced by their devotion to the reign
ing queen; and all work together for the general good O
The united community. The loyalty with which the
queen watched over by the abcrng class VINO have so
many other duties to perform, is wonderful fact aud
presents a difficult problem to those who believe
that thesa social insects guided alone by blind in
Stnc unconscious aUtoInatism 1t is the reserved
mental power which they show exceptional occasions
that calls forth astOrishmcnt Unless these mysterious
beings have certain faculties akin to reasOn ii is dfc
to Cor their proinpness and skull ~ dealing Win
unlocked for emergencies Nor, IN the opinion OF the
author is IT easy TO explain the origin OF their social
habits The whole OF nature is opposed % com
bined effort the part of animals From the first mo-
ment Of their existence everything tends 10 scatter
them. The few species OF social insects G!c exceptions
TO the rule Even man, according 10 Professor Packard
at first lived In scattered families, which gradually as
semuled in scany tribes for mutual protection. The
fact of colonies Of insects OF special character
the white ants at first TO bear against the theory Of
development But reflection argues the author We
cannot explain their origin without supposng that they
have resulted from natural laws such have acted In
huiGing mp human societies. The fact that there are
grades OF social life among the ants shows that the
highest forms have proceeded from superior physical
| and mental qualities in spite of the disorganzirg
forces The steady advance IN certain lines OF
animal lite suggests element in the ordinary laws OF
nature that indicates the action OF Infinite Power not
OF the world Of matter With regard 10 the mental pow
ers Of insects Packard agrees with those who
believe that their instincts have been implanted by the
Creator But the conditions OF their action must be
sought in the organs OF ard the nervous system
This is the subject OF admirable chapter, leading 10
the conclusion that insects endowed with mind,
possessing the thrcefod faculties according TO the d
vision The best psychologist OF the seBsibty the i'll
tecc and will without following at greater length
the methods OF the author may briefly commend his
book rs combining the interest of collection OF anec
dOtcs in natural history with the precision and exactncss
OF gcieutic treatise His knowledge il too profound 10
admit OF superficial discourse while lis power OF com
binaon and description affords perp,tua guarantee
against dizziness The reader IL tempted from page To
PAGE of his book 10y certain fascination, but While con
sci0us only Of charm, receives fund OF instruction