PREFACE. xv 



amongst diversities, and still more, the quick and accurate percep- 

 tion of diversity in the midst of resemblances, constitutes one of 

 the most important operations of the understanding ; if it be in- 

 deed the foundation of clear ideas, and the acquisition of whatever 

 can be truly called knowledge depends most materially on the 

 possession of it ; " if " the best logic be that which teaches us to 

 suspend our judgments ; " and " the art of seeing, so useful, so 

 universal, and yet so uncommon, be one of the most valuable a man 

 can possess," there can be no doubt of the judiciousness of their 

 advice. Now of all the branches of Natural History, Entomology 

 is unquestionably the best fitted for thus disciplining the mind of 

 youth ; and simply from these circumstances, that its objects have 

 life, are gifted with surprising instincts admirably calculated to 

 attract youthful attention, and are to be 'met with every where. It 

 is not meant to undervalue the good effects of the study of Botany 

 or Mineralogy ; but it is self-evident that nothing inanimate can 

 excite such interest in the mind of a young person as beings en- 

 dowed with vitality, exercising their powers and faculties in so 

 singular a way ; which, as Reaumur observes, are not only alive 

 themselves, but confer animation upon the leaves, fruits, and 

 flowers that they inhabit, which every walk offers to view, and on 

 which new observations may be made without end. 



Besides these advantages, no study affords a fairer opportunity 

 of leading the young mind by a natural and pleasing path to the 

 great truths of Religion, and of impressing it with the most lively 

 ideas of the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator. 



Not that it is recommended to make children collectors of in- 

 sects; nor that young people, to the neglect of more important 

 duties and pursuits, should generally become professed Entomolo- 

 gists ; but, if the former be familiarised with their names, manners, 

 and economy, and the latter initiated into their classification, it will 

 be an excellent method of strengthening their habits of observation, 

 attention, and memory, equal perhaps, in this respect, to any other 

 mental exercise ; and then, like Major Gyllenhal, who studied 

 Entomology under Thunberg about 1770, and, after an interval 

 of twenty years devoted to the service of his country, resumed 

 his favourite pursuit with all the ardour of youth, and is at this 

 time giving to the world a description of the insects of Sweden, 



