60 



taken into consideration. In comparing our in- 

 digenous species with those of other countries, it 

 is easy to trace the gradations from one family to 

 another; it is however difficult to decide, in many 

 instances, to what modern genus an insect really 

 belongs ; and this arises partly from individuals de- 

 scribing insects without having access to extensive 

 collections. Some writers however hold different 

 views, and there are those who look to groups and 

 and almost entirely disregard species. This is some- 

 thing like a geologist, who would disregard minera- 

 logy and think it unnecessary to be acquainted with 

 the rudiments of that science. But to proceed to 

 the Linnean Entomology. 



The Systema Naturae of Linneus, in my humble 

 opinion, is a work which has contributed more to 

 the immortality of the individual who gave it to the 

 world, and to the advance of the science of Natural 

 History, generally, than any other that can be men- 

 tioned ; it is undoubtedly the grandest, and by far 

 the most important, of all the works of Linneus. 

 It is not my intention here to enter into a review of 

 all the classes of the Systema Naturae; I shall 

 restrict myself entirely to the Entomology. I can- 

 not however avoid expressing my admiration of the 

 grasp of mind which conceived the plan, and of the 

 perspicuous and judicious manner in which Linneus 

 methodized the whole ; later writers have undoubt- 

 edly improved on it, but like the story of Columbus 

 and the e^g t they need the merit of originality and 

 invention. The Entomological branch of Natural 



