( lxxvi ) 



such objects of Natural History as are not yet represented in 

 museums or collections, and at present the general public 

 takes apparently no interest in the matter of zoological 

 exploration ; probably, indeed, it is taken for granted that it 

 is being done by those who understand that sort of thing. 

 Thus the work is left entirely to private individuals, whose 

 efforts, being uncombined and intermittent, can only be 

 expected to produce partially satisfactory results. The diffi- 

 culties in the case of insects are much increased by the fact 

 that only those who have had some experience in the 

 collecting and preserving of these small creatures will meet 

 with many species, even in a country or district where they 

 may be really abundant ; everyone, indeed, who has attempted 

 the formation of a collection of insects in our own country 

 knows well the perseverance and skill that are required to 

 obtain satisfactory results, and even yet we probably do not 

 know all the species that are to be found in our own islands. 

 Hence Mr. A. R. Wallace has suggested the appointment of 

 resident naturalists in suitable districts abroad. We cannot 

 at present, I think, afford to dispense with the efforts of what 

 we may call pioneer naturalists, — travellers who pass more 

 or less rapidly through a district, gathering and preserving 

 such specimens as present themselves ; still it is quite clear 

 that their efforts cannot give results with which Science may 

 rest contented. A combination of the two methods may not 

 prove to be impracticable. It is probable that in many parts 

 of the world there are missionaries, consuls, or men engaged 

 in commerce who would be willing to collect, if they knew 

 how to do it. Possibly the problem might be solved by one 

 or two travellers who would visit selected districts, and not 

 only themselves collect, but take special pains to instruct 

 such residents as might be willing to learn how to collect and 

 transmit specimens. 



Another way in which we may husband our slender 

 resources is by selection of localities. It is specially desirable 

 that we should obtain those forms that are likely soon to 

 become extinct,* and it is certainly on these spots that efforts 



* On the subject of extinction vide the addresses delivered by Prof. 

 Newton to the British Association, Glasgow and Manchester meetings. 



