() INTRODUCTION. 



\\e find tin- materials, not for a short essay, as tliis mu>: be 

 at its greatest extent. hut for volumes upon volumes. 



Of all the classes of zoology, then, that of insects is tin- 

 most numerous, the most beautiful, anil the most varied ; 

 and yet it cannot be denied that no portion of the science 

 presents, to those who are ignorant of its merits, so many 

 apparent points of repugnance; but which, ncverthcl. 

 much captivates the attention the more its merits are ex- 

 amined. It is, indeed, for those who undertake its invest i- 

 gation, an unceasing source of instruction and of pleasure. 

 open to all, requiring not, like the study of quadrupeds or 

 birds, great pecuniary sacrifices in the collection of mate- 

 rials, but yet possessing for every observer a still unopened 

 mine of knowledge, even in the very commonest species. 

 Volumes have been written upon the bee ; but still how 

 many wonders of the hive remain unexplained ? The domestic 

 fly swarms in every apartment, and yet how many points in 

 its economy are uninvestigated ? And, which is not less pecu- 

 liar and interesting to the student of the insect world, he 

 may pursue his observations without pain to the objects of 

 his research; he may watch them at their occupations, ob- 

 serve their manoeuvres, and contemplate the beautiful har- 

 mony which exisjs between their organi/ation and their 

 economy, and leave the contemplation " :i \\iser and a better 

 man." Here he \\ill find life in its uidest extent ; .sensation 

 and motion are here bestowed to a degree even far exceeding 

 that of the higher animals; and it is this which constitutes 

 one of the greatest charms of the pursuits of the entomolo- 

 gist. The botanist may boast of the splendour of his llo\\crs, 

 the conchologist may glory in the beauty of his shells, and 

 the ornithologist in the interesting economy of his liinls; 

 but the entomologist can do more. The objects of Ins 

 pursuit are not less splendid than i!o\vers ; indeed, \\hat 

 flower can vie with the brilliant butterflies of South America' 1 



