50 MEMOIR OF DRURY. 



enemies^ what time of the year they make their 

 appearance, how often in the year they breed, and 

 in short many other circumstances that it is impos- 

 sible for me to have any idea of, and which only 

 being familiar with the subjects, and seeing them 

 alive, can possibly furnish. Hence you perceive the 

 most trifling incidents attending the various species 

 will always be received with pleasure, and as it is 

 impossible you should be acquainted with the above 

 properties belonging to every insect, let me conjure 

 you not to neglect sending me those you do know, 

 a piece of knowledge that will enhance the value of 

 every insect you shall oblige me with." This ex- 

 tract (and many others of a similar tendency could 

 be given) shows that Drury had a much higher 

 aim than merely to be a collector of specimens; 

 and his work itself bears ample testimony to the 

 same effect. To facilitate the circulation of the Illus- 

 trations on the continent, a French translation of 

 the text was given in a parallel column. * The 

 descriptions are not very minute, and too vague to 

 be of much use ; indeed, he expressly affirms that 

 they are only intended to assist the reader in ascer- 

 taining the different species ; and are not so com- 

 plete as to give a perfect idea of the animal without 

 the help of the figure, t The reception the work 



* The translation was executed by M. Da Costa, the on- 

 chologist. 



f For further remarks on the general nature of his design, 

 and mode of executing it, reference may be made to the Intro- 

 duction to the first volume of his work. 



