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 PHŒNIX.

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]