502 LETTERS OF A CITIZEN. 



Introduction to Entomology, by Lar Cordaire, 2 vols. ; Caleopte- 

 ra> Beetles, by Count Degean, several volumes ; Hymenoptera, Bees 

 and Wasps, Serville, 2 vols ; Diptera, Flies, by Macquart, 2 vols. ; 

 Lepidoptera, Butterflies, by Brisduval, 4 vols. ; Archnides, Spiders, 

 by Baron Walcheneer ; Crustacas, Crabs and Lobsters, by Edwards, 

 several volumes ; Mollusca, by Blainville, &c., &c., &c., &c. Able 

 and extended as this work will be, it will actually, as regards most 

 of the subjects embraced, contain little more than mere outlines, i. 

 e., physiology, history, classification, generic description, leaving 

 out the species with the exception of new or typical ones. 



Now, either from a total want of knowledge, or in contempt 

 of duty, you, sir, as minister of a department, charged with 

 fitting out a great national expedition, in character (according to 

 your own showing) " altogether scientific," struck from the corps 

 the entomologist, who had long been appointed, and was prepared, 

 at an hour's notice, to go on shipboard. You feared, it might be 

 supposed, that his intellect should become mouldy for want of em- 

 ployment in a field of research not considered too limited for the 

 labours of a score of the first European savans for a term of ten 

 years ! What a compliment to American genius, or else what a 

 reflection upon European stupidity ! If the learned societies of this 

 country and of Europe do not award to you some distinguishing 

 token of the estimation in which they hold you, it will not be 

 owing, I am sure, to any want of desert on your part. You have 

 richly merited a conspicuous mark of their sovereign contempt. 

 Very respectfully, your obedient servant and fellow 



CITIZEN. 



' 

 XXI. 



To the Honourable Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War. 



SIR, 



All that I said in my last letters in relation to the palaeontolo- 

 gist and entomologist, and the degrading ignorance or unpardona- 

 ble malevolence which led to their dismissal from the scientific 

 corps of the expedition, would apply with more than equal force 

 (as I would show, did time and space permit) to the department 



