PREFACE. xix 
We hope the time is now gone by when a 
defence of any department of natural history is 
necessary. Should any one ask what is the use 
of the pursuit, we would answer, first, that in 
a contemplation of the many wonders which 
present themselves, even in the study of But- 
terflies, Sphinges, and Moths, there will be 
found much to excite our admiration, and suffi- 
cient to show us that a knowledge of their his- 
tory enables us to guard against the rayages of 
some of the destructive species. It also enables 
us to turn the produce of others to highly useful 
purposes, and even to give employment to tens 
of thousands of our fellow men. But a consi- 
deration, of a still higher kind than its palpable 
utility, recommends the study of Nature to 
mankind: it is an inexhaustible source of rational 
and innocent amusement, and a delightful ex- 
ercise of our reasoning faculties. In surveying 
the wondrous works of Creation, even in the 
simplest of forms, we are naturally led to admit 
the truth of the maxim, that ‘‘ the contemplation 
of Nature raises the mind up to Nature’s God.” 
