Zoological Club. 459 



science, combine to produce a British Fauna, each undertak- 

 ing a separate department suited to liis talents and previous 

 pursuits, this grand desideratum might at length be effected. 

 It strikes me that tliis object might be put in train by the means 

 and under the patronage ot" the Zoological Club. I see now 

 around me a number of Gentlemen snfficiently learned in na- 

 ture, and several who have drunk deeply at her well-spring of 

 knowledge, who, if once they imdertook the task, would accom- 

 plish it with the highest creiiit to themselves and to the great 

 advantage of the science they cultivate. Let the members of 

 our new-born institution, amongst other subjects, discuss this 

 point amongst tiiemselves at their meetings — weigh the diffi- 

 culties — investigate the means — consider the proper persons — 

 apportion the work — set their shoulders to the Mheel, and the 

 thing will half be done; for most true is that a})horism — 



Dimidiuinfacti, qui bene ccepit, liabct. 

 But let me not be misunderstood on this subject : I do not 

 mean that such a work should be read at our meetings, or ap- 

 pear in the Transactions of our venerable Parent Society. 

 This would be inconsistent with the nature of a Fauna, which 

 ought to be published in a difl'erent form, and aj^jieal more 

 directly to the public for support on the ground of its own 

 merits. 



Another important object of our association with regard to 

 indigenous Zoology is this — That insulated observations made 

 by individuals upon the habits and economy of animals may 

 not be lost. Few persons have an opportunity of tracing the 

 whole proceedings and life of any species of animal ; but al- 

 most every one has it in his power to relate some interesting 

 trait, to record some illustrative anecdote, of the beings that 

 he beholds moving around him in every direction. None of 

 these fragments should be lost, since each may lead to im- 

 portant conclusions; and the whole concentrated may often 

 form a tolerable comment, and throw great light on some 

 perplexing text of nature. Under this head I may observe, 

 that pecidiar care and caution are requisite in noting the ha- 

 bitats and food of animals, particularly insects; since great 

 mistakes have arisen, and been propagated by high autho- 

 rity*, from collectors being too hasty in formitig their oi)inions 

 on this subject. 



Bare catalogues of the animals of a district, as such, are of 



* For instance, Cuiru/io AUiai-la; \j.{h'j/iu:hilr.i Ilcrbst) rcall) fccils upon 

 the hfiii'l/ioni, from which il niiiy readily be conceived to th-op frequently 

 upon Erysimum AUiaiiu, which always grows in he(l},'cs; and Ni/iic/iainix 

 Fiagrirur V.{Orihi'sles Oliv.) feeds upon the beech, frt)ni which it may have 

 dropi)ed upon the struwlicrry. 



3 M 2 lillle 



