PURTHEli hints to young entomologists. 245 



Yestigation of which is within our reach — no statement, however high the autho- 

 rity from which it emanates, should be admitted without its being first verified by 

 our own observation, if such verification is possible. The student has ample means 

 for informing himself. Each walk in the country might be made a source of 

 instruction. Every insect that wings its way past him, crawls at his feet, or 

 buzzes near his person, should fix his attention and furnish material for 

 thought. A system of diligent and persevering research should be cultivated. 

 He will soon find the bsnefit of this course. His observation the more exercised, 

 will be the more penetrating and the more accurate — his mind will be stored 

 with facts — his information extensive and correct. He will be a naturalist in 

 the genuine meaning of the term. And who that merits it may not be proud 

 of the appellation ? 



Nor will the line of conduct just described be of benefit to the individual only. 

 The science will also be benefited, and that not a little. The student deceives him- 

 self if he thinks that no new fact, no new illustration of the wonderful economy 

 of Nature, can be discovered. In Entomology especially much remains to be 

 accomplished. A wide untrodden field of discovery lies open for investigation. 

 The hal.its of some even of our commonest insects are but little known, and of 

 the rarer species scarcely any thing besides their colour and structure has been 

 brought to light. Those insects which destroy the products of the labour of the 

 agriculturist and horticulturist require still much attention, in order to determine 

 their habits, &c. ; and a remedy for the evil has yet to be suggested. These three 

 important considerations — his own acquirement of information — the increase of 

 human knowledge — and the welfare of the country at large — will, I trust, lead 

 each of your readers to enter at once, and with zeal, on the only true method 

 of studying Natural Science. 



As an assistance in his studies, a collection of specimens is absolutely neces- 

 sary to the entomologist. He will derive considerable advantage and pleasure 

 from having them at hand for reference. Indeed, in order to become well 

 acquainted with the structure, &c, of insects, and with the relation they bear to 

 each other, he must often and carefully examine and re-examine them. This he 

 will be enabled to do by having a cabinet well stored with preserved specimens. 

 In the attainment of this important object, Mr. Dale's paper (p. 81) on the 

 apparatus used by entomologists, will be found very useful. A i'ew additional re- 

 marks on the time, place, and mode of collecting, may perhaps be deemed necessary. 



During winter the entomologist can do little, although, perhaps, mcire than is 

 generally believed. The bark of tree3 may be examined with advantage, as" 

 under and in it many species hybernate. The digger will be found useful in 

 raising and separating the bark. Dromii, Halticce, and a variety of other small 



vol. in. — no. xx. 2 L 



