Note 99 — CHAP. V. THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL HISTORY; OF INSECTS IN GENERAL, AND OF THEIR CONSTITUENT PARTS. (continued 3)

It may appear surprizing, that a Being perfectly good should have created animals which seem to serve no other end but to spread destruction and desolation wherever they go. But let us be cautious in suspecting any imperfection in the Father of the universe: what, on a superficial view may seem only productive of mischief, will upon mature deliberation be found worthy of that wisdom which pervades every part of the creation. Many poisons prove valuable medicines; storms are beneficial; and diseases often preserve life, and are conducive to its future enjoyments. The termites, it must be allowed, are frequently pernicious to mankind, but they are also very useful, and even necessary; one valuable purpose which they serve, is, to destroy decayed trees and other substances, which, if left on the surface of the ground in hot climates, would in a short time pollute the air. In this respect, they resemble very much the common flies, which are regarded by the generality of mankind as noxious, and at best, as useless beings in the creation; but this is certainly for want of due consideration. There are not probably in all nature animals of more importance; and it would not be difficult to prove, that we should feel the want of one or two species of large quadrupeds much less than of one or two species of these despicable looking insects. Nothing is more disagreeable or more pestiferous than putrid substances; and it is apparent to all who have made the observation, that these little insects contribute more to the quick dissolution and dispersion of putrescent matter than any other. They are so necessary in all hot climates, that even in the open fields a dead animal or small putrid substance cannot be laid on the ground two minutes, before it will be covered with flies and their maggots, which instantly entering, quickly devour one part, and, perforating the rest in various directions, expose the whole to be much sooner dissipated by the elements. Thus it is with the termites; the rapid vegetation in hot climates, of which no idea can be formed by any thing to be seen in this, is equalled by as great a degree of destruction from natural as well as accidental causes. When trees and even woods are in part destroyed by tornados or fire, it is wonderful to observe how many agents are employed in hastening the total dissolution of the rest; in this business none are so expert or so expeditious and effectual as the termites, who in a few weeks destroy and carry away the bodies of large trees without leaving a particle behind; thus clearing the place for other vegetables, which soon fill up every vacancy. See Encycl. Brit. art. Termes. Edit.