OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 43 



with the collection of objects ; and thus are many species 

 brought together for the use of the systematise that would 

 otherwise remain unknown. 



But to proceed to the defence of systematic entomolo- 

 gists. — These may be divided into two great classes: 

 the first comprising those who confine themselves to as- 

 certaining the names of the insects they collect; the se- 

 cond, those who, in addition, publish descriptions of 

 new species ; new arrangements of intricate genera ; or 

 extrications of entangled synonyms ; and who, in other 

 respects, actively contribute to the perfection of the 

 system. 



Now with regard to the first class, setting aside what 

 may be urged in behalf of the study of insects consider- 

 ed as the work of the Creator, it is easy to show that, 

 even with such restricted views, their pursuit is as com- 

 mendable, and as useful both to themselves and the com- 

 munity, as many of those on which we look with the 

 greatest respect. To say the least in their favour, they 

 amuse themselves innocently, which is quite as much as 

 can be urged for persons who recreate their leisure hours 

 with music, painting, or desultory reading. They fur- 

 nish themselves with an unfailing provision of that "grand 

 panacea for the tccdium vitce " — employment — no unim- 

 portant acquisition when even Gray was forced to ex- 

 claim, with reference to the necessity of " always having 

 something going forward " towards the enjoyment of life,. 

 " Happy they who can create a rose-tree or erect a ho- 

 ney-suckle ; that can watch the brood of a hen, or see a 

 fleet of their own ducklings launch into the water a ! " 



* Letter to Dr. Wharton. Mason's Life of Gray, p. 28. 



