244 WONDERS OF INSECT LIFE 



could have led us to a solution of the problem of 

 species. It was the constant search for, and 

 detection of, often unexpected difference between 

 very similar creatures that gave such an intellec- 

 tual charm and fascination to mere collecting, 

 and when, as with Darwin and myself, the col- 

 lectors were of a speculative turn of mind, they 

 were constantly led to think on the why and the 

 how of this overwhelming and at first sight pur- 

 poseless wealth of specific forms among the very 

 humblest forms of life." 



It is important to remember these words from 

 one of Darwin's few living friends. They made, it 

 will be noted, a small beginning. They became 

 systematic collectors. What they collected in- 

 terested them. They were amazed at the diverse 

 forms of structure and of external difference. 

 They were led on little by little, bit by bit. Then, 

 later, they became intelligent observers, travellers, 

 and explorers, and, as every one knows now, they 

 are numbered among the greatest of all ages as 

 exponents of the wonderful law of evolution. 



I want to impress upon the ardent young 

 naturalist that both these famous men made 

 small beginnings and among humble creatures. 

 They loved animals and plants, but they did not 

 stop at loving them. They cared for and indus- 

 triously studied them, and the subjects upon 

 which they concentrated their attentions were to 



