Introduction. 5 



insects we might meet with in the wood : but we had not 

 got far among the bushes, when heavy rain came on. We 

 immediately sought shelter among the boughs of some thick 

 underwood, composed of oak, birch, and aspen ; but we 

 could not meet with a single insect, not even a gnat or a fly, 

 sheltered under the leaves. Upon looking more narrowly, 

 however, into the bushes which protected us, we soon found 

 a variety of interesting objects of study. The oak abounded 

 in galls, several of them quite new to us ; while the leaves 

 of the birch and the aspen exhibited the curious serpentine 

 paths of the minute mining caterpillars. When we had 

 exhausted the narrow field of observation immediately around 

 us, we found that we could considerably extend it, by breaking 

 a few of the taller branches near us, and then examining 

 their leaves at leisure. In this manner two hours glided 

 quickly and pleasantly away, by which time the rain had 

 nearly ceased ; and though we had been disappointed in our 

 wish to ramble through the wood, we did not return without 

 adding a few interesting facts to our previous knowledge of 

 insect economy.* 



It will appear, then, from the preceding observations, 

 that cabinets and collections, though undoubtedly of the 

 highest use, are by no means indispensable, as the observer 

 of nature may find inexhaustible subjects of study in every 

 garden and in every hedge. Nature has been profuse 

 enough in affording us materials for observation, when we 

 are prepared to look about us with that keenness of inquiry, 

 which curiosity, the first step in the pursuit of knowledge, 

 will unquestionably give. Nor shall we be disappointed 

 in the gratification which is thus within our reach. Were 

 it no more, indeed, than a source of agreeable amusement, 

 the study of insects comes strongly recommended to the 

 notice of the well-educated. The pleasures of childhood 

 are generally supposed to be more exquisite, and to contain 

 less alloy, than those of riper years ; and if so, it must be 



* The original observations in this volume which are marked by the 

 initials J. R., are by J. Kennie, A.M., A.L.S., and those which are enclosed in 

 brackets are by the Rev. J G. Wood, M.A., F.L.S. 



