58 On the Study of Entomology. 
into one of the great European languages, German, English, 
French, Italian, or Spanish; these, therefore, may be regarded as 
the limits to which the modest requirements of the entomologist 
may be restricted; while practically, and in the majority of cases, 
he will find himself able to work well upon Latin, English, French, 
and German. A knowledge of the microscope, and a considerable 
tincture of optics, should not be forgotten. And we may finish the 
list of requirements with the necessary art of drawing and painting 
with effect and accuracy. The above sketch seems to shew that it 
is impossible for any man to unite in his single person accomplish- 
ments so numerous and varied. Certain it is that the best of us 
will be found wanting in many, or even the chief part of these 
qualifications; but a true love of science will always find means to 
supply defects and to turn difficulties. Entomologists are a united 
brotherhood: the powezs of each are at the service of all; union is 
strength, and the actual force exerted is the resultant of the com- 
bined efforts of the whole society. The reader is now requested to 
compare the portrait of the ideal entomological naturalist with the 
existing examples of those who trifle about the precincts of the 
great edifice without the courage to enter. Entomology is a serious 
science, and should be studied seriously; already it comprises 
amongst its votaries a large number of distinguished men, and not 
a few women, of all civilized nations, banded together for objects of 
recognised importance, the influence of which is widely felt and 
receives daily extension. I am so far from thinking that any 
remarks here made can have a discouraging tendency, or deter 
through the difficulties presented, that I have chosen this course 
deliberately ; I have a strong belief that, if these lines are read at 
all, they will be read by those to whom difficulty is an attraction, 
and the desire to promote worthy objects a passion. These are the 
minds whose attention I have endeavoured to invite towards a 
subject apparently untouched by members of this society; but 
which is certainly a needful complement to their other labours, and 
indispensable to the physical knowledge of this large county. 
Nunton, 
April st, 1886. 
