162 ENTOMOLOGY. 



most simple and attractive" manner, freed from all the 

 useless terms with which the older writers had em- 

 barrassed the subject, and pointing out its pleasures and 

 advantages, have been afforded us by those who were 

 well qualified for the arduous duty. An impetus was 

 long since given ; and the establishment of Professor- 

 ships at our colleges, and the introduction of elementary 

 works on this subject, not only into seminaries devoted 

 to the education of our young ladies, but also into the 

 schools of children, prove how desirable the possession of 

 this branch of knowledge is considered. This taste, 

 enthusiastic, as it may almost be called, is yearly in- 

 creasing by means of the spirited efforts of our horti- 

 culturists, who, not content to cultivate the natives of 

 our own soil alone, are continually introducing many 

 varieties of rare and choice exotics. 



Zoology has not been extensively studied with us. 

 Comparatively few, very few, have devoted themselves to 

 an examination of the animal world, although in each of 

 its departments, individuals have distinguished themselves 

 by their industry and talents ; and invaluable papers 

 relating to objects in most of these departments are trea- 

 sured up in our scientific periodicals. 



Our birds have been minutely and correctly described, 

 and splendidly figured by Wilson, and Bonaparte, and 

 Audubon ; and we are soon to be gratified with a work 

 on these animals from the pen of Nuttall, whose name is 

 a sure pledge of the accuracy -and perfection of the great 

 undertaking. 



Conchology, the study of shells, has been more at- 

 tended to, than either of the other branches of this great 

 division. The objects of this class are generally trea- 

 sured up for their beauty; and on this account it is a fa- 

 vorite branch with our young ladies. Cabinets formed 

 by them are often met with, showing a taste, and per- 

 severance, and knowledge, of which they may well be 

 proud 



But while these branches are pursued with such una- 

 bating zeal, the same individual oftentimes takes but a 

 cursory view of the most delightful branch of the works 

 of nature the Insect creation. To procure the humblest 



