294 GRAMMAR OF ENTOMOLOGY. 



CHAPTER VII. 



OF INVESTIGATING INSECTS. 



956. HAVING pointed out the best mode by 

 which a collection may be made, and the books 

 which will be most useful in naming it, it remains 

 that we add a few words on the application of 

 objects to descriptions, and descriptions to objects. 



957. We have repeatedly spoken of characters ; 

 we have explained the terms, systems of organs, 

 and what those systems of organs are. Now let it 

 be understood that character is the variation in 

 the mode or measure of development of any 

 integral portion of either system of organs. 



958. Those characters are the best which are 

 founded on such portions of a system of organs as 

 are most readily observed ; the organs of support 

 afford these. It would be a work of insuperable 

 difficulty had we to examine the interior of an 

 insect to decide its species. 



959. All animals have a tendency to vary in 



