o74 FACTS AND INFERENCES, CRAVE AND GAY. 



ness ; the most exquisite examples of entomological 

 beauty, if not too roughly handled at the period of their 

 capture, remain, with the most ordinary attention, for a life- 

 time in their pristine state, — and what that state actually is, 

 all may satisfy themselves in the course even of the most 

 superficial examin at ion, — 



" For nature here 

 Wantons as in her prime, and plays at will 

 Her virgin fancies." 



Exceeding in amount of species all the other subjects of 

 zoology, — unrivalled in the dazzling brilliancy of their 

 colours, which combine the clearness and decision of tint 

 possessed by flowers, with the exquisitely varied markings 

 of the feathered race and the metallic splendour of the 

 mineral kingdom, — surpassed by no other work of crea- 

 tion in the wonderful structure of their parts, and certainly 

 surpassing all in the adaptation of that structure to 

 the perfect fulfilment of those natural, though to us 

 still mysterious instincts, which in every age have excited 

 the admiration of mankind, — is it to be wondered at that 

 the study of insects should occupy a prominent place in 

 our pursuit of knowledge? Much more do we wonder 

 that thousands of the best educated, and in other respects 

 most enlightened minds, should still feel averse to a study 

 which unfolds such a world of unseen wonders. The sub- 

 ject, too, is literally inexhaustible; and while some who love 



