RANDOM THOUGHTS ON ENTOMOLOGY. 841 



looking at a splendid bed of Heartsease, when, quick as a 

 sunbeam, the beauty came dancing over the flowers, now 

 advancing, now retreating, sipping first at this flower and 

 then at that, and seeming too happy to remain at rest: how 

 I envied the little thing its joy ! If I had merely read of 

 this Sphinx without seeing it, I should not have known the 

 pleasure that I then felt. 



It is natural to wish, that the gratification we derive from 

 any subject should be shared by those around us ; such, at 

 least, must be the desire of all those who love their species. 

 Science is valuable in proportion to the number that it benefits. 

 As a branch of natural history, Entomology presents as many 

 advantages and pleasures as any other, and some that are 

 peculiar to itself. I may be enthusiastic, but I cannot hrelp 

 thinking, that if a knowledge of it were more general, it would 

 exert a very beneficial influence on the community. It may 

 be said that this is questionable, because Entomology is only 

 a collection of facts. But the same may be said of every 

 other science ; without facts there would be no reflection ; and 

 reflection, combined with the moral feelings, is the way to 

 produce upright and proper conduct. Let none, therefore, 

 despise mere facts, when he considers that on them hang all 

 philosophy, and all hope of the amendment of the human race. 



It is lamentable to reflect, that in the past ages of the world, 

 thousands of beings capable of admiring and appreciating the 

 works of nature, should, for want of education, have passed 

 through life as mere animals, to whom existence has been 

 comparatively a blank. 



" How many a rustic Milton has passed by, 

 Stifling the speechless longings of his breast, 

 In unremitting drudgery and care! 

 How many a vulgar Cato has compelled 

 His energies, no longer tameless then, 

 To mould a pin or fabricate a nail ! 

 How many a Newton, to whose passive ken 

 Those mighty spheres that gem infinity 

 Were only specks of tinsel, fixed in heaven 

 To light the midnight of his native town !" 



Chimerical as they appear to some, I do entertain high 

 hopes and expectations of what human nature will eventually 

 become. Though to the eye of benevolence the present state of 



NO. IV. VOL. IV. Y Y 



