The writer enters upon the composition of the present book, [52]

BOOK THE FIRST.—METAMORPHOSIS.

CHAPTER I.—TERROR AND REPUGNANCE IN CHILDHOOD.

Extract from a Journal written by Madame Michelet, [57]

In which she describes a visit to the home of her childhood, [58]

Painful impressions produced by the ravages of the insect, [59]

The writer comments on the repugnance with which the insect is viewed by childhood, [60]

This repugnance is not shared by Nature, [61]

Which protects and facilitates it in its work, [62]