PREFACE. XV 
so far as the power of a lens could lead us, 
the most minute insect we have yet discovered, 
is liable to be inhabited by a parasite still more 
minute than itself.. The mind of man, in the 
contemplation of phenomena so astonishing, is 
lost in wonder. 
Although Entomology met with some atten- 
tion from the. earliest natural historians, yet 
it has, till very lately, been much neglected, 
from the circumstance of its being considered a 
trifling and childish pursuit. We are told by 
Harris, in his description of the Plantain, or 
Glanville, Fritillary, (Plate 22. of this work,) 
that ‘¢ This Fly took its name from the ingenious 
Lady Glanville, whose memory had nearly suffer- 
ed for her curiosity. Some relations that were 
disappointed by her Will, attempted to set it 
aside by acts of lunacy; for they suggested, 
that none but those who were deprived of their 
senses would go in pursuit of Butterflies. Her 
relations and legatees cited Sir Hans Sloane 
and Mr Rae to support her character. The 
last gentleman went to Exeter, and on the trial 
