11 



relative to the |ihenomena of species and varieties, which may be npplicd to the solution of 

 this question with regard to higher forms of life. I think that the importance of our science 

 in these respects is not siifficiontly recognized by us ; that we are contt-nt with merely getting 

 our insects properly named, and rejoicing over a rare or a new species, while the removing of 

 the insect races, thi'ir habits, instincts and co-relations, which might help in solving the ques- 

 tions before referred to, are passed over too carelessly. Now, though from our position in 

 life we can devote to Entomology only leisure time, I think we ought to try and dive a little 

 beneath the surface, and study the science, so far as our opportunities go, in a more thorough 

 manner. Though we have ntit the time, nor the privilege Of access to larger collections and 

 libraries, which make us almost envy the position of many Entomologists in the United States, 

 yet we may do something in our small way if we only set to work. The modern sciencen 

 have all been built up to their present high perfection on the inductive principle. Observa- 

 tion and e.xperience have been the basis for advancement and theory, in contradistinction 

 to the old system of theory first and observation afterwards. This inductive principle is the 

 only solid foundation on which true knowledge can rest, and it is as applicable to Entomology 

 as to any nther science. In its economic aspect, or the study of insects and their hurtful or 

 beneficial influence on cultivation, observation is of the first importance. And in the strictly 

 scientific application of the pursuit, as in the study of species and varieties, the distribution 

 of species, &c., all acquisitions to our knowledge must come from close and patient observa- 

 tion. 



Now, I think we ought during the present season to pay more attention than we have 

 hitherto done to the daily lives of our insect friends. A little thing, trifling though it may seem 

 at the time, may give us a clue to something of greater importance, acd the smallest insight 

 into the habits, instincts or organization of an insect, when added to the observations of other.s, 

 may leac^ at some future time to great results. Nothing is really little in the kingdom of 

 nature ; everything is under the wise and eternal laws of the Creator, and works for the end 

 He designed, so that the smallest insect is worthy of our study, and may aid us in understand- 

 ing something of the order, wisdom and skill which He hascxerted inthe creation and adaptation 

 of the parts composing the wonderful system of life in which we find ourselves. Let us limk 

 then after little things, for as Smiles well observes, " Human knowledge itself is but an ac- 

 cumulation of little facts, made by successive generations of men ; the little bits of knowledge 

 and experience, carefully treasured up, growing at length into a mighty pyramid. Though 

 many of these facts and ob.servations may hav; setmed in the first instance to have but slight 

 significance, they are all found to have their eventual uses, and to fit into their proper places. 

 Indeed the close clwervation of little things is the secret of success in business, in art, in 

 science, and in every pursuit in life." 



I hope you will not think I am digressing, but 1 like to take and wish to give you an 

 elevated ideal of our favourite study. If wc consider any object we have in view a worthy 

 and valuable one, we shall be the more likely to pursue it with assiduity and zeal ; and while 

 we regard Entomology as a pleasant recreation, let us not forget that it is a science bearing 

 not only on the great interests of agriculture, but also, in conjunction with the other depart- 

 ments of Natural History, on questions at pre.sent causing agitation and discussion among the 

 leading scientific men of the day. 



Let our note-bcoks then be kept ready, and whatever new thing we meet with during this 

 year, in the life of our insect friends, be duly recorded. We .shall at least be adding our little 

 stone to build up th • great Entomological pyramid. 



Another thought which- 1 wish to bring before you is, the advisability of extending our 

 fields of operations. One of our principal objects is to learn someihing about the insects of 

 the Island of Moutrcal. We cannot expect to learn nil about them, or evun to make a complete 

 catalogue of their names, for some time to come, but we ought to remember that there are other 

 orders represented here besides the Lepidoptera and ('oleoptera. If we wish our Society to 

 be symmetrical and well developed, we must study the other orders, otherwise we shall be a 

 kind of monstrosity — an Entomological Society with a fair knowledge of the butterflies, 

 moths and lieetles of the Island, but utterly ignorant of its remaining and not less interesting 

 insect inhaliitants. To make a begiiming, let us take all kinds, and then the possession of the 

 specimens will incite us to find out their names and history. And if there was a good collec- 

 tion in the hands of the Society, say of Hymenoptera, I have no doubt, but that some member 

 would be courageous enough to undertake the work and the pleasure of studying them up. 



