History of Entomology in the United States. 17 
Art. [].—Contributions toward a History of Entomology in 
the United States ; by Joun G. Morais, D. D., Baltimore. 
(Read before the National Institute, April meeting, 1844.) 
Enromo.oey is of all branches of natural history the least cul- 
tivated by scientific gentlemen in our country. In Europe, espe- 
cially on the continent, no department of zoology is more indus- 
triously pursued, and none has called forth more numerous or 
more splendid illustrated works. The science is taught in the 
gymnasia and universities, collections of insects systematically 
arranged are found in most of the literary institutions, and are 
properly considered an essential part of a museum of natural 
history. 
In our own country, the subject has been totally neglected, 
except by a few, but they have accomplished much, and have 
rendered invaluable service to the science. "They have smdothed 
the path for their successors, ‘who, it is hoped, will diligently 
walk in it. 
The reasons for this neglect of the science in our country, may 
be found in the presumed greater economical importance of other 
branches of natural history; in the diminutive size of insects, 
often requiring microscopic observation to determine their generic 
and specific character; in the unfounded apprehension of their 
poisonous qualities, so common even among educated persons, 
many of whom have a horror of every thing called a bug ; in 
the fatigue and exposure endured in their capture; in the want 
of entomological books; and in the morbid sensitiveness on the 
subject of impaling them on a pin. But all these objections van- 
ish on the slightest acquaintance with the subject ; and it is pre- 
sumed that no one ever began the study of it, who was not 
allured by its powerful attractions to prosecute it to some extent. 
The field is still very inviting in this country, for thousands of 
species still remain undescribed—in every excursion the indus- _ 
trious collector captures something new. 
Other departments of natural history have been so thoroughly 
explored as to leave little room for new discoveries or improve- 
ments. A new North American bird would be literally a “rara 
avis ;” anew mammal would be deemed extraordinary; and a‘ 
hew fresh-water fish would verily be a queer one. Indeed, it 
Srconp Szrizs, Vol. I, No, 1—Jan. 1846. 3 
