Observations of Insects. 237 



its and ways of insects and the simple and lucid 

 manner in which he recorded his observations are fre- 

 quently exemplified in his " Journal of Researches," 

 and his account of sundry Brazilian species on page 

 35, and following, may be consulted as an example. 



In the same way that he has influenced all lines of 

 thought and investigation, he has influenced ento- 

 mology. We find every^vhere in his treatment of 

 insects the same acute perception, the same candour 

 and impartiality, the same clearness of expression, 

 the same aptitude to get at the significance and 

 bearing of facts observed, as well as the same readi- 

 ness to deduce a theory, which is only equalled by 

 the devotion with which he clings to the truth, 

 whether favourable or unfavourable to the theory. 



In the light of Darwinism, insect structure and 

 habit have come to possess a new significance and 

 a deeper meaning. It has, in short, proved a new 

 power to the working entomologist who, for all 

 time, will hold in reverence the name of him who, 

 more than any other man, helped to replace scholas- 

 ticism by induction, and who gave to the philosophic 

 study of insects as great an impetus as did Linnaeus 

 to their systematic study. 



In his private life Darwin has given us a lesson of 

 patience, courtesy, and consideration, that will be best 

 appreciated by those who have the misfortune to be 

 endowed with more irritable and aggressive natures. 



As the above account of Darwin's entomological 

 work is doubtless rather uninteresting to most of 

 those gathered here, I will close, by request, with a 

 few personal impressions. 



