PREFACE 



This book presents an outline for a brief introductory 

 course in entomology. It embodies a new selection of mate- 

 rials for elementary instruction, and some new plans for 

 their use; but its aim is the same as that of its worthy prede- 

 cessors by other authors — sound knowledge of the essentials 

 of insect structure and development and habits. These are 

 things worth knowing. These are the things that must 

 underlie all intelligent efforts at insect control. 



In making a small book for beginning scientific study 

 of this vast group of animals much desirable material has 

 had to be omitted. A serious effort has been made to retain 

 and include the things most essential to sound knowledge, 

 most necessary to the public welfare, and most fit to be a 

 part of the common intelligence. 



It is recommended that the teacher suit the order of 

 these lessons to the materials available, keeping them al- 

 ways full of practical contacts with things, avoiding ab- 

 stractions and rote. The bane of our schools is bookish- 

 ness. Pupils learn to memorize and to imitate, rather than 

 to see and think for themselves. Let us have a practical 

 course on insects and let us make it worth while. Real 

 knowledge in any subject is based on first-hand contact 

 with the sources of its materials. 



Ithaca, September 1, 1928.^ 



James G. Needham 



