INTRODUCTION. 3 



by the study of insects. But it is not necessary that 

 one should have the tastes and. leisure required for 

 careful scientific investigation in order to profit by 

 this study. It can be made a recreation, a source of 

 entertainment when we are tired, and a pleasant 

 occupation for our thoughts vi^hen we walk. 



The desire to know more of the creatures about 

 us is growing rapidly ; Nature study is being intro- 

 duced generally in schools of all grades, and every- 

 where lovers of out-of-door life are learning to ex- 

 perience the pleasure of a more intimate acquaintance 

 with their surroundings. It is hoped that this will be 

 made easier by this book. Its chief object is to serve 

 as a guide for those who wish to acquire a knowledge 

 of insects from a study of the insects themselves ; it 

 is intended to lie open before the observer while the 

 subject of study is examined. 



The needs of the beginner in the study of insects, 

 be he old or young, have been kept constantly in 

 mind. The teacher of children who is preparing a 

 lesson, the youth who is studying by himself, and 

 the adult who adds to the pleasure of his outing by 

 learning something new to him — all need to approach 

 Nature by the same path. For this reason an elemen- 

 tary, didactic form of treatment has been adopted, 

 although the book is intended for adults as well as 

 for younger pupils. 



It is not expected that the teacher will take a 

 class through the book from beginning to end ; for 

 Nature study to be most successful must be varied : 

 each locality and each season will afford different 

 subjects for study. 



With young pupils it is best to begin with obser- 



