xlviii THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



the cultivation of habits of observation and accuracy, and in 

 the training of the mental powers generally. And what is this 

 but education — an education none the less effective, because in 

 the process the mind has been taught to think correctly, and to 

 observe with accuracy on one particular subject. " The faculty 

 of accurate discrimination, the ready perception of resemblances 

 among diversities, and still more, the quick and accurate 

 perception of diversity in the midst of resemblances, constitute 

 in reality one of the most important operations of the under- 

 standing.^^ 



I trust that what I have said may not have the reverse to 

 the effect intended, and help to deter any from commencing to 

 describe their discoveries. I speak feelingly when I say that 

 our best efforts almost of necessity fail to reach the high 

 standard which we should ever set before us. An eminent 

 Entomologist has truly acknowledged that " there is no science 

 to which the adage. Dies Diem Docet, is more strikingly appli- 

 cable than to Natural History. New discoveries are daily made, 

 and will be made, it is probable, to the end of time ; so that 

 whoever flatters himself that he can produce a perfect work in 

 this department will be miserably disappointed."* The truth 

 is, in this matter we are all only learners, and must not expect 

 to reach, however we should strive after perfection. 



Perhaps it would be well, for those who wish to take the 

 full benefit which the study of Entomology may afford, to 

 commence their efforts to describe upon some known forms, and 

 then to compare their descriptions with those of more practised 

 hands. 



Happily in this country there is no want of new subjects. 

 A few of the larger and more common forms have been already 

 described. Nearly all the smaller species are new to science, 

 and in most families there are many which will reward the 

 patient search. 



There are some persons who speak slightingly of Ento- 



* Kirby and Spence Introdiiction. 



