22 OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 



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 

 tliemselves with the system, contribute most essentially to its advancement. 

 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 treasures 

 which his own limited funds or opportunities could never have brought 

 together. As to others of less consequence that content themselves with 

 the title of collectors, they also have their use. Having devoted them- 

 selves to this one department, they become more expert at it than the philo- 

 sopher 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 the 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 synonyms, 

 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 favour, 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 unfailing 

 provision of that " grand panacea for the tczdium vitce " — employment — no 

 unimportant acquisition, when even Gray was forced to exclaim, with re- 

 ference to the necessity of " always having something going forward " 

 towards the enjoyment of life, " Happy they who can create a rose-tree or 

 erect a honey-suckle ; that can watch the brood of a hen, or see a fleet of 

 their own ducklings launch into the water!"* And, like the preceding 

 class, they collect valuable materials for the use of more active labourers, 

 being thus at least upon a par with the majority of book-collectors and 

 antiquaries. 



There is 1113- friend the weaver ; strong desires 

 Reign in his breast ; 'tis beauty 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 forni'd arise 



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



• « « « . « 



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



His is untax'd and undisputed game. 



Crabbe's Borough, p. 110. 

 ' Linn. Trans, ii. 315. 

 2 Letter to Dr. Wliarton. Mason's Life of Gray, p. 28. 



