Chapter XXXII: Introduction: I. the Living Infinite

The writer is moved by the voices of the Insect World, 17
Which leads him to reflect on its infinite numbers, 18
He refers to his loving study of the Bird, 19
But the Bird had a language; has the Insect?, 19
In many respects, it is an enigma which Man cannot read, 20
The Insect, however, has much to plead in self-defence, 21
And between it and Man the interpreter must be Love, 22

II. OUR STUDIES AT PARIS AND IN SWITZERLAND.

How the writer was assisted by his wife in his study of the Insect, 23
Woman is well adapted for such a study; and why?, 24
Her tact, delicate touch, and fine perception fit her for microscopical
investigations, 24
The writer seeks a retirement near Lucerne, 25
The surrounding scenery is described, 26
And he bursts into a glowing panegyric on the Alps, 27
He discourses on the communion between Nature and the human soul, 28
This leads him to a description of a forest scene, 29
In which he recognizes the presence of the insect life, 30
A constant conflict is maintained between the insect and the plant, the
latter being aided by the bird, 30
In the forest, then, lurks a hidden world, 31
The interior of an ant-hill is suddenly revealed, 32
And the effects become visible of the formic acid, 33
Reflections suggested by the ruined ant-hill, 34

III. OUR STUDIES AT FONTAINEBLEAU.

The writer resolves to attempt an explanation of the Insect World, 36
For such a task Fontainebleau offers peculiar facilities, 37
A description is given of the characteristics of the place, 38
It has had a peculiar charm for many illustrious men, 41
Its individuality is distinct, 42
In the course of a day it presents various changes, 43
Yet throughout all a certain sameness is preserved, 44
This is expressed by the "genius loci,", 45
The voices of the forest, 46
Its suitability as a place for reflection, 47
Its suggestiveness; the very oaks enforce a lesson of perseverance, 48
Its life centres in its quarrymen and its ants, 49
The contrast between their several labours, 50
Nature and the Individual, 51
The writer enters upon the composition of the present book, 52