168 ENTOMOLOGY. 



ings which prompt us to study them are the most gene- 

 rous and elevated of our natures. 



Having dwelt upon such objections as would most 

 probably be offered to the cultivation of this science, by 

 those who oppose it, and having endeavored to show their 

 futility, a few inducements shall be offered to its study. 



We are so prone to avoid whatever at first sight is dis- 

 pleasing, so willing to lend a ready ear to whatever les- 

 sens the value of any object, so liable to l>e more impressed 

 by the remembrance of an injury than the possession of a 

 blessing, that most of mankind pass by this noble, eleva- 

 ting study, as if it were useless ; and forgetting the utility 

 of many of this class of creation, see in it nothing which 

 should employ the rational mind. These incorrect views 

 are removed solely by observation and reflection. No 

 one department of the works of nature exhibits more 

 powerful motives for its successful cultivation than this, 

 if the number, variety, beauty, or perfection of its subjects 

 be considered. At all seasons, and in almost every 

 situation, individuals may be observed belonging to this 

 class. The lovers of other branches may make but com- 



Jut the entomologist, even if he should be confined to 

 the close and less pure air of a city, and allowed to travel 

 over paved streets only, and this too, while in the per- 

 formance of his necessary duties, has frequent opportuni- 

 ties of noticing species with which previously he had 

 been unacquainted. And to the naturalist, what can be 

 more grateful, than to find, wherever he may go, some 

 new object to admire, some fresh incentive to the pursuit 

 of his favorite study. To the lover of nature, the argu- 

 ment just offered will appear weighty. But I am well 

 aware many will require stronger reasons, than that faci- 

 lities exist for the cultivation of a science, and that much 

 gratification of feeling is to be derived from attending to 

 it, ere they think it worthy their consideration. 



For such, other reasons can be offered, strong enough 

 to convince any one of its advantages. As the agricul- 

 turist, by a minute acquaintance with the habits of this 

 order of beings, is enabled to prevent in a great degree 

 the injuries he would otherwise inevitably be compelled 



