268 Mr. Bicheno on Systems and Methods 



up well-defined genera and orders because they contain a large 

 number of species. If we find a large genus, for instance, as 

 Erica, agreeing in some well-marked characters of structure, 

 form, station, and properties, it appears contrary to the end 

 proposed by the natural system, to divide and subdivide the 

 species into small groups, and to give each of these the same 

 value as is now possessed by the whole. This is frittering away 

 characters which are essential to the use of a genus, and de- 

 stroying our power over it when we proceed to generalise. 

 The value of generic terms consists essentially in the distinct 

 conceptions we have of them ; but if we go on to multiply them, 

 as is at present the fashion, we render it as impossible to cir- 

 cumscribe them, as it is to parcel out the colours of the rain- 

 bow; and instead of making Natural History familiar and 

 popular, it will require the compass of a man's life to master 

 the terms we employ. If indeed the object be to analyse, di- 

 vision may be very convenient, because the inquirer may be 

 otherwise bewildered in the multitude of particulars. It does 

 not follow from hence that the student of the natural system 

 may not avail himself of subordinate groups by whatever cha- 

 racters they may furnish; only the giving them equivalent 

 names, and making them co-ordinate, is destructive, as it ap- 

 pears to me, of his system as a means of general reasoning. 



In no department of natural history are the inconveniences 

 arising out of this confusion of analysis and synthesis more felt 

 than in Entomology. The multitude of species , included in 

 this kingdom of nature is so great, that it requires the most 

 skilful arrangement to enable the student to determine them : 

 yet it is unquestionably the worst furnished with assistance in 

 this way; — a defect which may be attributed chiefly, I appre- 

 hend, to the attempt which both we and our continental neigh- 

 bours have made to combine the natural with the artificial 

 system. We have aimed at analysis and synthesis at the same 

 time. A comprehensive acquaintance with this infinitely varied 

 tribe can alone enable us to synthesise with safety ; and a long 

 period must elapse before we can hope to embrace within our 

 synthesis the whole of the insect world. 



In the large views taken by means of the natural system, 

 our business will for ever be the labour of separating what we 

 shall know from that which is unknown. The profoundest 

 knowledge will at last be but a fragment. Some groups of 

 nature are so closely related, that they have been observed 

 from time immemorial. " Whatsoever parteth the hoof and 

 is cloven-footed, and cheweth the cud," comprehends a group 

 of animals so obviously connected, that they must have re- 

 ceived a generic appellation from the remotest period. As 



knowledge 



