Front Matter

Foreword

TO MOTHERS AND OTHER TEACHERS:—

For any child who asks after hearing a story,—"Is it honest or only nonsense?" this book was written. For children, too, who are fond of fanciful stories but whose parents do not approve of fairy tales these are especially designed, in the hope that true stories about creatures as wonderful as those which people the imaginary realm may prove as acceptable to the eager little beggars for stories.

We do not, however, offer this book as stories merely but as introductions to a few of the fascinating denizens of grove and field and brook,—choosing those so common from the eastern to the western coast of our country that any little runner may read for himself in the original outdoor language these same stories.

The theme of the stories is suggested in the title to the book for they are but eighteen different renderings of the same subject which concerns the provision made by the mother insect for her young.

Eight orders of insects are included in the selections made and a real acquaintance with these representatives will serve as an introduction to their relatives some of which we are almost sure to meet in any ramble.

For the use of those who wish them, the scientific names of the insects are given in the List of Stories at the close of the book.

ORONO, MAINE, November, 1913.