58 



On the Study of "Entomology . 



into one of the great European languages, German, English, 

 French, Italian, or Spanish ; these, therefore, may be regarded as 

 the limits to which the modest requirements of the entomologist 

 may be restricted; while practically, and in the majority of cases, 

 he will find himself able to work well upon Latin, English, French, 

 and German. A knowledge of the microscope, and a considerable 

 tincture of optics, should not be forgotten. And we may finish the 

 list of requirements with the necessary art of drawing and painting 

 with effect and accuracy. The above sketch seems to shew that it 

 is impossible for any man to unite in his single person accomplish- 

 ments so numerous and varied. Certain it is that the best of us 

 will be found wanting in many, or even the chief part of these 

 qualifications ; but a true love of science will always find means to 

 supply defects and to turn difficulties. Entomologists are a united 

 brotherhood : the powers of each are at the service of all ; union is 

 strength, and the actual force exerted is the resultant ol the com- 

 bined efforts of the whole society. The reader is now requested to 

 compare the portrait of the ideal entomological naturalist with the 

 existing examples of those who trifle about the precincts of the 

 great edifice without the courage to enter. Entomology is a serious 

 science, and should be studied seriously; already it comprises 

 amongst its votaries a large number of distinguished men, and not 

 a few women, of all civilized nations, banded together for objects of 

 recognised importance, the influence of which is widely felt and 

 receives daily extension. I am so far from thinking that any 

 remarks here made can have a discouraging tendency, or deter 

 through the difficulties presented, that I have chosen this course 

 deliberately ; I have a strong belief that, if these lines are read at 

 all, they will be read by those to whom difficulty is an attraction, 

 and the desire to promote worthy objects a passion. These are the 

 minds whose attention I have endeavoured to invite towards a 

 subject apparently untouched by members of this society ; but 

 which is certainly a needful complement to their other labours, and 

 indispensable to the physical knowledge of this large county. 

 Nunton, 



April 21st, 1886. 



