422 On the importance 



quently must, directly or indirectly, have its effect as regards the dis- 

 tribution of species, particularly that of the invertebrated classes, and 

 upon those insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, as well as other 

 herbivorous insects which feed upon plants peculiar to certain soils 

 and situations. The habits and manners of every tribe should be 

 watched and diligently observed; the anatomy and peculiarities of in- 

 dividuals should also form a prominent feature in the investigation. 

 In regard to insects, attention should be given to the larvae, their 

 changes, and other facts connected with this state of being carefully 

 ascertained, the period of appearance, and that of the duration of the 

 imago state regularly noted down, the habitats recorded, and, in 

 short, every thing connected with the economy of life should be 

 made, an object of attentive consideration. It is not necessary that 

 the district selected for investigation should be extensive, indeed it 

 would be preferable, provided a sufficient number of zealous natu- 

 ralists could be found in different parts of the country, willing to 

 undertake the task, that it should be of limited or moderate size, so 

 as easily to be commanded, and its boundaries visited without la- 

 bour or fatigue. Its living treasures might then be investigated at 

 leisure during the daily walk, affording an object of pursuit at once 

 delightful and instructive ; repeated observations and experiments, 

 to verify facts, might be made upon particular species, their habits 

 and economy observed in detail, and under various aspects and con- 

 ditions ; and the investigation, being so entirely under the observer's 

 command, might be extended if agreeable, to more than one depart- 

 ment at a time. A comparison of several Faunas, made in different 

 parts of the kingdom, and thus conducted, there can be little doubt, 

 would present results of great interest and importance to zoology. 

 Among many others, the geographical as well as the local distribu- 

 tion of genera and species would be better ascertained, and in all 

 probability, a knowledge of the principal causes which affect the 

 latter accounted for, so that the naturalist in future, upon the mere 

 inspection of a district, might be able to predicate with some degree 

 of confidence, its principal zoological productions. The discovery 

 of many new species might also be expected, and the natural his- 

 tory of all, better ascertained and understood ; thus paving the way, 

 by the accumulation of a mass of valuable materials, towards the 

 compilation of a British zoology, superior to any we at present pos- 

 sess. Upon this sort of plan a Fauna has been commenced, embrac- 

 ing a very limited district, and, although it has not been long in 

 operation, the success that has already attended it, as well as the 

 pleasure it affords, and the increasing interest it creates, gives ample 



