PREFACE. XV 



is liable to be inhabited by a parasite infinitely 

 more minute than itself. The mind of man, in 

 the contemplation of phenomena so astonishing, 

 is lost in wonder. 



Although Entomology met with some atten- 

 tion from the earliest natural historians, yet 

 it has, till very lately, been much neglected, 

 from the circumstance of its being considered a 

 trifling and childish pursuit. We are told by 

 Harris, in his description of the Plantain, or 

 Glanville, Fritillary, (Plate 22. of this work,) 

 that " This Fly took its name from the ingenious 

 Lady Glanville, whose memory had nearly 

 suffered for her curiosity. Some relations that 

 were disappointed by her Will, attempted to set 

 it aside by acts of lunacy ; for they suggested, 

 that none but those who were deprived of their 

 senses would go in pursuit of Butterflies. Her 

 relations and legatees cited Sir Hans Sloane 

 and Mr Rae to support her character. The 

 last gentleman went to Exeter, and on the trial 

 satisfied the judge and jury of the lady's 

 laudable inquiry into the wonderful works of 

 Creation, and established her Will."* 



* HARRIS'S Aurelian, p. 27. 



