14 ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGISTS. 



many things are taught in our public schools, a condition leading to 

 lack of thoroughness in everything. But it does not seem reasonable 

 to exclude in favor of an ancient language subjects which would con- 

 tribute immediately to the success of scholars when they went out into 

 this modern world of science. 



I have already mentioned the claims sometimes made for the 

 superior culture afforded by ancient languages as compared with 

 nature study. Quite frequently it is added that the study of nature 

 leads to irreligion, that study of science tends toward materialism. 

 To this we all dissent. But perhaps this dissent has never been bet- 

 ter expressed than by Herbert Spencer in the following: 



Suppose a writer were daily saluted with praises couched in superlative 

 language. Suppose the wisdom, the grandeur, the beauty of his works were 

 the constant topics of eulogies addressed to him. Suppose those who unceasingly 

 littered these eulogies on his works were content with looking at the outside 

 of them and had never opened them, much less tried to understand them. What 

 value should we put upon their praises? What should we think of their sin- 

 cerity? Yet, comparing small things to great, such is the conduct of mankind 

 in general with reference to the universe and its cause. Nay ; it is worse. 

 Not only do they pass by, without study, these things which they daily pro- 

 claim to be so wonderful ; but very frequently they condemn as mere triflers 

 those who show any active interest in these marvels. We repeat, then, that not 

 science, but the neglect of science is irreligious. Devotion to science is a tacit 

 worship — a tacit recognition of worth in the things studied ; and by implication 

 in their cause. It is not a mere lip homage, but a homage expressed in actions— 

 not a mere professed respect, but a respect proved by the sacrifice of time, 

 thought, and labor. 



The study of entomology and kindred science furnishes knowledge 

 of the greatest value. When pursued with sincerity its effect is re- 

 fining. It is a culture study. Its tendency is not toward irreligion. 



THE STUDY OF ENTOMOLOGY AS MENTAL DISCIPLINE. 



As a training of the mind entomology is superior to the stud) 7 of 

 any language whatsoever. The man who has mastered LeConte and 

 Horn's Classification of the Coleoptera of North America so as 

 to use it readily and with accurate results has had a training in 

 minute and exact observation, in comparison and in judgment, that 

 very few studies will give. Every great mind that has occupied itself 

 with methods in education has insisted on the supreme importance of 

 the study of objects, of nature, as a foundation for all other studies — 

 upon the natural process of dealing first with objects, then compar- 

 ing them with other objects, and thus finally acquiring general truths. 

 Observation, comparison, reflection are the mental processes that 

 lead to real knowledge and to the advancement of learning. We 

 may learn lack of respect for authorities by going back to the soil 

 for premises for our thinking. So much the better. Authorities 



