122 THE REPORT OF THE No. 19 



importance in the management of rural affairs, which cannot well be done without, and work 

 in that line will become an established profession. Men being educated for it, and their ser- 

 vices having been found to be profitable will soon become necessary, when they will be called 

 for as regularly and paid for as willingly as those of any other profession. Thus entomology has 

 vindicated its claim to recognition as a science useful and important to the community. 



The educational authorities are now alive to the great advantage that would result to the 

 whole community if it were in some measure informed upon natural history subjects, aud to 

 that end have placed them in the lesson course of schools. But it is doubtful if a more 

 effectual method could be taken of turning children against natural history than by making 

 it one of the tasks they have to learn, and which the most of them will look back upon with 

 dislike, and be glad to have done with. Whereas, if they were encouraged to make natural 

 history collections, themselves choosing the department, it would be in harmony with their 

 natural inclination to collect something, and would at the same time form a safe outlet for 

 their surplus energy, which would produce such an agreeable impression on their minds as to 

 go with them in after-life and induce them to take it up again wheijever opportunity pre- 

 sented itself. A consummation much to be desired and which may be realized when parents 

 and teachers themselves have acquired a real love of the subjects. 



Mankind is instinctively utilitarian, and this is reputed to be the most utilitarian age that 

 has been. The disposition of the race is being intensified in the individual, by the tendency 

 of the times in which he lives. So everything is tested by the standard of : How is he, or 

 they, to be benefited thereby ? and to what extent ? But the great majority of mankind have 

 no choice in life, they ate controlled by necessity, the necessity of making a living. And this 

 so occupies their attention that they have little time for anything else. But constant appli- 

 cation of mind or body to one particular vocation becomes monotonous and depressing. So 

 for the health of body and mind, relaxation is necessary. Many suppose that such is only to be 

 obtained by an entire absence of occupation ; this is a mistake, the most refreshing relaxation 

 is often found in a mere change of occupation. The most tiresome day of many a man's life is 

 a holiday ; simply because he has nothing to do. Activity is conducive to happiness. Many 

 who have been successful in business, and have got over the necessity of working for a living, 

 yet remain in business, because they have no other way of pleasantly and profitably occupying 

 their time. Now here comes in the immense advantage which those possessed of some know- 

 ledge of natural history subjects have over those with none. A means of healthful recreation 

 is always within their reach. All they have to do is to open their eyes and they find objects 

 of interest liberally strewed around them. So that, whether it be the weary toiler with only 

 his tiresome holiday to spend, or the successful man who has got beyond the necessity for 

 labour, and has much time to spare, they will find in it a never-failing means of profitably oc- 

 cupying whatever time they wish to give to it. When the eyes are opened to the beauties of 

 nature, the pleasure of a walk or a drive is immeasurably enhanced by the ability to intelligent- 

 ly recognize the diverse objects that are constantly presenting themselves to view. The en- 

 joyment of rest and repose in the shade on a hot summer's day, is (quadrupled by observing the 

 diflferent forms of the trees, with their characteristic manner of growth ; and the kind of birds 

 and insects that frequent them. And to be able to distinguish them by name as recognized ac- 

 quaintances, is a yet greater addition to the pleasures of life. One great advantage of taking re- 

 creation in the observation and consideration of natural history subjects is, that it re<juires no 

 elaborate preparation to begin with. Every one is able to appreciate in some measure the 

 beauties of nature and the faculty will increase and strengthen with exercise, so that all that is 

 re( juired of anyone is to begin to observe. Observation excites curiosity, curiosity leads to enquiry, 

 enquiry tends to increase knowledge, and the more one knows, the more one desires to know. And 

 natural history subjects are so diverse in their manifestations, as to provide something suited to 



