LETTER OF JUNE 4TH, 1857. 3 



expenditure after examining them. The illustrations of 

 many of them are admirable as works of art, but the generic 

 descriptions, if they contain any at all, are so meagre, so in- 

 definite, so unsatisfactory, that I have been more than once on 

 the point of abandoning the study in despair. 



There has been too much of this appealing to the popular 

 eye instead of the mind ; a stud y in which the artist's pencil 

 comes to bejin indigpejiaaJble .aid does- -not deserve the name .. 

 of a science.... I am however fully convinced that it is far 

 from being indispensable, and that the study cannot become 

 general or popular, in this country at least, until some votary 

 of Entomology renders access to its mysteries less expensive 

 and less discouraging and difficult than it is now. 



But I have wandered from what I wish to say to you on 

 the subject of exchanges. If you cannot supply me yourself 

 you can possibly induce some of your many friends to em- 

 brace this opportunity of benefiting a transatlantic " brother 

 Jonathan." All favours of this kind will meet not only 

 my grateful acknowledgments, but be reciprocated by any 

 courtesy I can extend to them and their own boxes returned 

 filled with any American insects in my power to obtain. As 

 regards my own wants, I wish none but Lepidoptera belong- 

 ing to the section Heterocera ; you will greatly oblige me by 

 stating this to any one to whom you may make overtures, 

 and that I desire them to be named in every instance, in the 

 manner they may find most convenient. I do not desire 

 moreover to enter into any exchanges until the season has 

 nearly ended, for I shall be too much occupied to attend to 

 the matter previous to that time. Perhaps I should also tell 

 you I have never made exchanges, and have been induced 

 to address you on the subject only in consequence of the 

 generous and cordial spirit you display towards the young 

 Entomologists of your own country. If my application is 

 successful I have no doubt but that I can make arrangements 

 for the reception and transmission of cases through the pub- 

 lishing house of H. Bailliere, of New York City and London, 

 from whom I receive my foreign books. This reminds me, 



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