6 INSECT ARCHITECTURE. 



observation immediately around us, we found that 

 we could considerably extend it, by breaking a few of 

 the taller branches near us, and then examining their 

 leaves at leisure. In this manner two hours glided 

 quickly and pleasantly away, by which time the 'rain 

 had nearly ceased ; and though we had been dis- 

 appointed in our wish to ramble through the wood, 

 we did not return without adding a few interesting 

 facts to our previous knowledge of insect economy*. 

 It will appear then, from the preceding observations, 

 that cabinets and collections, though undoubtedly of 

 the highest use, are by no means indispensable, as 

 the. observer of nature may find inexhaustible sub- 

 jects of study in every garden and in every hedge. 

 Nature has been profuse enough in affording us 

 materials for observation, when we are prepared to 

 look about us with that keenness of inquiry, which 

 curiosity, the first step in the pursuit of knowledge, 

 will unquestionably give. Nor shall we be dis- 

 appointed in the gratification which is thus within 

 our reach. Were it no more indeed than a source 

 of agreeable amusement, the study of insects comes 

 strongly recommended to the notice of the well- 

 educated. The pleasures ol childhood are generally 

 supposed to be more exquisite, and to contain less 

 alloy, than those of riper years ; and if so, it must 

 be because then every thing appears new and dressed 

 in fresh beauties : while in manhood, and old age, 

 whatever has frequently recurred begins to wear the 

 tarnish of decay. The study of nature affords us a 

 succession of " ever new delights," such as charmed 

 us in childhood, when every thing had the attractions 

 of novelty and beauty ; and thus the mind of the 

 naturalist may have its own fresh and vigorous 



• The original observations in this volume which are marked 

 by the initials J. R., are by J. Rennie, A.M., A.L.S., Lee, Kent, 



