80 Ohsei'vations on various Insects 



their minuteness and obscure economy. To make the farmer 

 acquainted with the habits of these enemies, and enable him to 

 recognise them under their different aspects of egg, caterpillar, 

 pupa, and perfect insect, has been the olijeet of these papers. 

 Tlie utility of this knowledge cannot be denied, and without 

 ample descriptions and good figures it is impossible to identify 

 such minute animals, which often resemble each other in an 

 extiaordinary manner, even where their food is of a totally 

 different nature. The first step towards vanquishing an enemy is 

 to ascertain correctly his habits ; the next, to be so certain ol his 

 appearance as not to mistake one party for another ; and a third 

 and no less important object is to ])e well acquainted with our 

 allies and friends: for want of this it has often happened within 

 my own knowledge, and indeed it is a notorious fact, that the 

 very insects ordained by the Creator to keep noxious species in 

 check have been mistaken for the offenders ; and thus the most 

 serviceable auxiliaries have been persecuted, and even sacrificed 

 to our ignorance of their deserts. 



I cannot but hope that I have been permitted to lay a founda- 

 tion towards a knowledge of the insects injurious to man, on 

 which a more sound and perfect superstructure may be gradually 

 raised, as materials are collected to increase and correct the mass 

 of information which I have gathered together. As such obser- 

 vations are very tedious and difficult, the materials can be col- 

 lected but slowly : if, however, every new discovery be faithfully 

 and accurately recorded, it is impossible to calculate the happy 

 results Avhich may accrue towards averting the losses sustained 

 from the attacks of insects. But I wish to impress in the 

 strongest manner the absolute necessity of the agricultural 

 observer, however talented he may be, calling in the aid of the 

 scientific entomologist in his investigations, with the view of 

 ascertaining the scientific name of the insect, and thus acquiring 

 the means of referring to all that is known in relation to it ; 

 without this his discoveries Avill be but the " baseless fabric 

 of a vision," and remain without " a local habitation and a 

 name." 



I will now bid farev/ell to my agricultural friends in the good 

 old English phrase, " May God speed the plough !" I sincerely 

 trust that my labours may tend not only to the instruction and 

 to the benefit, but even to the amusement, of those engaged in 

 the cultivation of the soil ; and that the first step towards a 

 correct knowledge of economic entomology may induce others to 

 take up this important subject. After forty years' service in this 

 labour of love, it is time for me to relinquish my pen and pencil, 

 and release myself from my toil, which 1 cannot do better than in 



