58 OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 



air of their surrounding hills, while in search of this " untaxed and undis- 

 puted game^ ; " and that more of the Norwich weavers were fond of 

 devoting their vacant time to plant-hunting, like Joseph Fox, recorded by 

 Sir James Smith as the first raiser of a Lycopodium from seed ? ^ 



Still more easy is it to advocate the cause of another description of 

 entomologists — the general collectors. These, though not concerning 

 themselves with the system, contribute most essentially to its advance- 

 ment. We cannot expect that princes, noblemen, and others of high 

 rank or large fortune who collect insects, should be able or willing to give 

 up the time necessary for studying them systematically ; but their museums 

 being accessible to the learned entomologist, afford him the use of trea- 

 sures which his own limited funds or opportunities could never have 

 brought together. As to others of less consequence that content them- 

 selves with the title of collectors, they also have their use. Having 

 devoted themselves to this one department, they become more expert at it 

 than the philosopher who combines deep researches with the collection of 

 objects ; and thus are many species brought together for the use of the 

 systematist, that would otherwise remain unknown. 



But to proceed to the defence of systematic entomologists. — These 

 may be divided into two great classes : the first comprising those who 

 confine themselves to ascertaining the names of the insects they collect ; 

 the second, those who, in addition, publish descriptions of new species, 

 new arrangements of intricate genera, or extrications of entangled syno- 

 nyms, and who, in other respects, actively contribute to the perfection of 

 the system. 



Now with regard to the first class, setting aside what may be urged in 

 behalf of the study of insects considered as the work of the Creator, it is 

 easy to show that, even with such restricted views, their pursuit is as com- 

 mendable, and as useful both to themselves and the community, as many 

 of those on which we look with the greatest respect. To say the least 

 in their favor, they amuse themselves innocently, which is quite as much 

 as can be urged for persons who recreate their leisure hours with music, 

 painting, or desultory reading. They furnish themselves with an unfail- 

 ing provision of that "grand panacea for the tcedium vita" — employ- 

 ment — no unimportant acquisition, when even Gray was forced to ex- 



' Oft have I smiled the happy pride to see 

 Of humble tradesmen in their evening glee, 

 When of some pleasing fancied good possest, 

 Each grew alerf, was busy and was blest : 

 Whether the call-bird yield the hour's delight, 

 Or magnified in microscope the mite ; 

 Or whether tumblers, croppers, carriers seize 

 The gentle mind ; they rule it and they please. 

 \ There is my friend the weaver ; strong desires 



Reign in his breast ; 'tis beauiy he admires: 

 See to the shady grove he wings his way,^ 

 And feels in hope the rapture of the day — 

 Eager he looks, and soon, to glad his eyes. 

 From the sweet bower by nature form'd arise 

 Bright troops of virgin moths, and fresh-born butterflies. 

 * * # * 



He fears no bailiff's wrath, no baron's blame ; 

 His is untax'd and undisputed game. 



Crabbe's Borough, p. 110. 

 * Linn. Trans, ii. 315. 



