52 MEMOIR OF LATREILLE. 



mistakes and inaccuracies he will find in it. This 

 work has been drawn up in the midst of the most 

 cruel sufferings, moral as well as physical. His bed 

 has served him for a table, and being unable to 

 consult collections, he has been often forced to trust 

 to his memory alone.' 



" However, he has said in the same work (t. i. 

 p. 132), ' I believe that I may affirm, without vio- 

 lating propriety, that I have given a proof of my 

 devotion to science. More than half a century has 

 elapsed since I began to cultivate it; but it has 

 amply rewarded me for the efforts and sacrifices I 

 have made on its behalf. There exists only one 

 chair of Entomology in Europe, and I am the first 

 who has filled it.' 



" Yes, but the indefatigable labour of half a cen- 

 tury was necessary to obtain it ! 



" Thanks to you, Gentlemen, Latreille could have 

 said, at a later period, ' There exists only one Ento- 

 mological Society in Europe, and I am the first who 

 presided over it.' 



" If it be true that the life of a man ought to be 

 estimated only by the use he has made of it, that of 

 Latreille is worthy of envy, since it was spent so 

 worthily. Let us cherish his memory, and study 

 his writings." 



Latreille's Collection of Insects, which was exten- 

 sive, was sold after his death. The Coleoptera were 

 purchased bv Mr. Noris of Manchester. 



