OF INSECTS IN GENERAL. 309 



^'hich are well eftabliflied and certain. Ilence the ftudy 

 of entymology has been deemed by many, an occupation 

 the mod ufelefs and frivolous in which the human mind 

 can be engaged : Hence too, from a fear of proiHtuting 

 their talents, many have been deterred from contemplat- 

 ing the wonders difpLiyed by nature, in a kingdom of 

 animals the mod numerous, diverfified, and fplcndldly 

 adorned, of any on the face of the globe ; and thus have 

 deprived themfelves of views of the power and munifi- 

 -cence of the Author of Nature, the mod flriis.ing and in- 

 teredmg that can l^e prefented to the mind of man. 



To thofe who can derive no pleafure from tlie purfuits 

 and dudies of a liberal mind, and who feel no fatisfaftion 

 in any employment that is not attended with immediate 

 profit, the relearches of the entymologid cannot feem 

 altogetlier ufelefs. Had the operations of the lilk worm 

 never been examined, how could men have availed 

 themfelves of the labour of an infcft that adrainiders fo 

 profufely to oar luxuries and our wants ? It was not to 

 the unobferving that it fird occurred, that the produce of 

 that animal's labour might be converted into a conlider- 

 able article of commerce, and might give rife to many 

 arts, and alTord fubfidence tothoufands of manufat^lurers. 

 In the fame manner, wax and honey enter into the ar» 

 tides of commerce, and add to our enjoyments. It can- 

 not, therefore, be denied, that they were profitably em- 

 ployed, who fird obferved the indudry of the bee ; who 

 brought that animal from its native woods, introduced it 

 into our gardens, and, by domedicating it there, have 

 rendered it fubfervient to our enjoyments. 



The Chinefe, whofe progrefs in many of the aits is fu- 

 perior to that of any other nation, avail themfelves of 

 the labours pf certain infers, in procuring a rich dye, 



and 



