FEBRUARY. 19 



lose much valuable time, as he will not be able to place 

 implicit trust in them. " For if the trumpet give an 

 uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the 

 battle ?" 



Is it by practical instruction in the fields and woods? 

 Undoubtedly this is the best, most certain and easy 

 method of instruction for a young Entomologist ; and 

 happy and fortunate may the tyro consider himself, 

 who at the commencement of his entomological cam- 

 paign possesses an entomological friend who will be 

 the companion of his rambles; but he must be one 

 who will be ready to teach you, not one who will 

 snub you, or laugh at every inquiry you make,— one 

 who will impart to the tyro the knowledge he has 

 himself acquired, — who will be ready and willing to 

 help him over his difficulties in the pursuit of that 

 science which they cultivate in common, and from 

 which they derive mutual pleasure, — one who will 

 smooth the path and make pleasant the way he has to 

 tread, opening up to him the wonders and the beauties of 

 the insect world, — stimulating his exertions by a cheer- 

 ing word of praise or commendation, and teaching him 

 to avoid the errors of judgment into which, unaided, 

 he would inevitably fall. Reader, if you should pos- 

 sess such a friend, cherish him; don't let him be 

 weaned from you, or you from him, by idle or sple- 

 netic tales, insinuations or broad hints; but let him 

 retain your confidence, and those who have maligned 

 him will soon perceive that " he is not so bad after 

 all." 



But if he be not of this class, shun him, — shun him 

 as you would the ague ; for be assured that if in your 



