AN 



INTRODUCTION 



TO 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



LETTER XVI. 



SOCIETIES OF INSECTS. 

 IMPERFECT SOCIETIES. 



I see already, and I see it with pleasure, that you will not 

 content yourself with being a mere collector of insects. To 

 possess a cabinet well stored, and to know by what name each 

 described individual which it contains should be distinguished, 

 will not satisfy the love already grown strong in you for my 

 favourite pursuit ; and you now anticipate with a laudable 

 eagerness, the discoveries which you may make respecting 

 the history and economy of this most interesting department 

 of the works of our Creator. I hail with joy this intention 

 to emulate the bright example, and to tread in the hallowed 

 steps of Swammerdam, Leeuwenhoek, Redi, Malpighi, Val- 

 lisnieri, Ray, Lister, Reaumur, De Geer, Lyonnet, Bonnet, the 

 Hubers, &c. ; and I am confident that a man of your abilities, 

 discernment, and observation will contribute, in no small de- 

 gree, to the treasures already poured into the general fund by 

 these your illustrious predecessors. 



I feel not a little flattered when you inform me that the 

 details contained in my late letters relative to this subject 

 have stimulated you to this noble resolution. Assure your- 

 self I shall think no labour lost which has been the means of 



VOL. II. B 



i 



