104 FRANCIS ORPEN MORRIS 



science. In his introduction to the "Moths" he 

 states his views on this point thus : 



" I have both seen and heard enough, and too much, 

 of the evil caused by some, who, in the vain and empty 

 desire to be thought scientific themselves, have de- 

 barred their readers from becoming so. They may 

 please those whose own nature leads them to take 

 omne ignotumpro magnifico, but I know that they have 

 not had, and do not gain, the goodwill and thanks 

 of the many whose approbation I would rather win. 

 They get nothing but contempt from that class 

 which is the largest, and for whom I have written 

 and still write. ... If science has to do with facts, 

 my works, as any one may prove for himself, may 

 justly lay claim to a more scientific character than 

 appertains to many that have preceded them. In 

 writing for one's own countrymen, words and 

 language need not be employed the sole effect of 

 which will be to conceal the meaning professedly 

 intended to be conveyed. It is only those who are 

 more or less ignorant themselves that think nothing 

 can be considered scientific which is not couched 

 in language beyond the comprehension of the 

 readers whom it ought to be its object to enlighten ; 

 they who are wiser will be content to convey in- 

 formation in words that may be at once and readily 

 ' understanded of the people.' " 



The general plan of the work was simple in the 

 extreme. Minute descriptions of the insects them- 

 selves were for the most part avoided ; it was 

 thought that the figures, when accurately engraved 



