214 THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 



its lines ; but such work is very pleasurable, and unless in the complexity 

 of the subject or the disheartening number of forms or amount of literature 

 necessary, would seem to present no insuperable difficulties not to be met 

 with in other sciences. 



It is perhaps almost unfortunate that there has been a fashion for a 

 few years past to discredit the value of systematic work, and to laud the 

 researches in histology and embryology as the only work deserving the 

 name of science. The tone of contempt that has sometimes greeted the 

 faithful worker in systematic entomology must have had the effect of 

 discouraging some who might otherwise have made valuable contributions 

 to the science. 



We should not be narrow, but let our sympathies and appreciation be 

 as extensive as the group in which we are interested ; our perceptions of 

 the earnest effort and the good in others as sensitive as the organizations 

 which we place under our microscopes ; and our encouragement as quick 

 as the movements of our tiny friends. 



The work in histology and embryology is essential, and its importance 

 cannot be ignored. Often giving us the only rational method of discover- 

 ing affinities, it must be resorted to by the systematic student, and none need 

 underrate it. The further study of entire life-histories of insects, one of 

 the most fascinating of all branches of study, presents a field of such great 

 importance to the economic entomologist, so rich in discovery as to modes 

 of life, and so often important in revealing the affinities of related groups, 

 that he who would neglect or deride this part of entomology must have 

 little conception of its range. 



But systematic work too has its place and importance, and I trust the 

 time is now coming when there will be a return of workers to this field. 



The need of collections and libraries for this work is appreciated by 

 all, and has been well discussed in the address of last year. 



I would like to suggest, however, in this connection the importance of 

 the preservation of collections that have been the basis of systematic work 

 by a specialist. Often such collections go to ruin, and the question comes 

 again and again, would it not have been better if such collection had been 

 placed in some established museum, where its preservation would be 

 assured. I believe fully in the formation of working collections, particul- 

 ary in limited groups, but when it is possible to deposit such a collection 



