XVI PREFACE. 



tural History, Entomology is unquestionably the 

 best fitted for thus disciplining the mind of youth; 

 and simply from these circumstances, that its ob- 

 jects have life, are gifted with surprising- instincts 

 admirably calculated to attract youthful attention, 

 and are to be met with every where. It is not 

 meant to undervalue the good effects of the study 

 of Botany or Mineralogy : but it is self-evident 

 that nothing inanimate can excite such interest in 

 the mind of a young person as beings endowed 

 with vitality, exercising their powers and facul- 

 ties in so singular a way ; which, as Reaumur ob- 

 serves, are not only alive themselves, but confer 

 animation upon the leaves, fruits, and flowers 

 that they inhabit ; which every walk offers to 

 view ; and on which new observations may be 

 made without end. 



Besides these advantages, no study affords a 

 fairer opportunity of leading the young mind by 

 a natural and pleasing path to the great truths of 

 Religion, and of impressing it with the most 

 lively ideas of the power, wisdom, and goodness 

 of the Creator. 



Not that it is recommended to make children 

 collectors of insects, nor that young people, to 

 the neglect of more important duties and pursuits, 

 should generally become professed Entomolo- 

 gists ; but, if the former be familiarized with 



