LETTER LT. 



INVESTIGATION OF INSECTS. 



AN Entomologist who aspires to more than the cha- 

 racter of a mere amateur, will not be content with fill- 

 ing his cabinet with nameless objects for the sole amuse- 

 ment of the eye ; but will also be anxious to acquire 

 some knowledge of what he has collected, and to ascer- 

 tain by what names, whether indicating their genus or 

 species, they have been distinguished by scientific writers 

 who have described insects either in general or those of 

 particular districts. Thus only can he himself derive 

 profit from any discoveries he may make, or contribute 

 to the further progress of the science a . 



But in order to accomplish this object effectually, you 

 must remember and practise the Onslow motto Festina 

 lente : you must not be too eager to name your species, 

 but begin first with grouping your collection. The only 

 way to acquire, in any degree, a correct knowledge of 

 the Natural System, or of the general plan of the CREA- 

 TOR, which is the primum and ultimum of true science, 

 is by studying groups. The knowledge of species is in- 

 deed indispensable for the registry of facts and other 

 practical purposes, but the knowledge of groups leads 



* Compare what is said VOL. I. p. 47 . 



