ENTOMOLOGY. 15 



habit, by which many insect tribes are distinguished. 

 I have, I must own, been more anxious to learn 

 something of their habits, than of their classification ; 

 and although I have commenced forming a small 

 collection to illustrate the latter, I value it onlj^ as 

 sen-ing to elucidate the former. You will see from 

 this statement, that I am a lover of entomology, 

 rather than an entomologist. Humble as this appel- 

 lation may be, it is one which I must for, perhaps, a 

 considerable time, be contented to retain. Its low- 

 liness has not, however, prevented me from enjoying 

 many pleasing trains of thought, excited by the 

 pursuit — many happy feelings of novelty and wonder ; 

 and at all seasons the study has furnished me with 

 something for observation. I am most anxious, 

 therefore, my dear Arnold, that the pleasure I have 

 felt, you should experience ; and although I may be 

 a guide very imperfectly acquainted with the paths 

 I propose to traverse, I shall be delighted to point 

 out to you the most important landmarks, and 

 indicate the existence of wild glens and retiring 

 valleys which you may yourself explore. 



We are all too apt to associate ideas of importance 

 wath the possession of corporeal bulk, and to regard 

 as trifling all those animals which are diminutive in 

 size. This may be one reason why the study of 

 entomology is comparatively of modern date ; for, so 



