THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST. 215 



in a place of permanent preservation, I feel that it should be done for the 

 benefit of future students and the advancement of science. 



At present the student of systematic entomology must perforce select 

 some limited group, the literature of which he can obtain, and faithfully 

 divorce himself from the pursuit of knowledge in other groups. 



This is well and proper for the worker who has gone far enough to 

 become enamored with his specialty and to recognize the limitations 

 necessary, but there are many young students enthusiastic and active 

 whose ardour would carry them through bravely, if but they could pass 

 through the doubtful stage which comes with the conviction that there are 

 many insects which cannot be determined. 



Failure to name his collection, or a disheartening search through all the 

 books at his command without getting any clue to the affinities of his 

 specimens, dampens his ardour and quenches his zeal. 



The necessary training for the more serious entomological work and 

 that which must in large part be given by means of carefully arranged 

 courses of study, should, I believe, embrace methods in systematic ento- 

 mology — of studying the complex life-histories of insects, and of working 

 out the problems of minute anatomy and embryology that so constantly 

 confront us. A thorough knowledge of insect anatomy is essential and 

 should be acquired before the student attempts original work on morpho- 

 logy or revisional work in classification. Above all, the student should 

 become impressed with the importance of accuracy, both in study and in 

 statement, and it should be the crowning glory of this as well as all scien- 

 tific work to develop in the student the keenest perception of the fact that 

 scientific work means truthful work. 



The equipment to carry on such instruction is not essentially expensive, 

 and the cost of equipment should not deter any well-endowed institution 

 from providing thoroughly for good work. The item of books will figure 

 largely, but these may be selected as needed and no immense outlay 

 is required at once. " 



One of the most difficult problems met by the teacher is to supply 

 satisfactory guides to his students in classificatory work, and I believe 

 every working entomologist will concede the desirability of a condensed 

 manual for the determination of the families and genera of the insects 

 constantly met in his work. The question is, how can such a manual 



