OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 



33 



present studied, well deserves a full consideration, I might In 

 the first place deny that those who have the highest claim to 

 rank as entomoloo-lsts do confine their views to the svstematic 

 department of the science to the neglect of economical observ- 

 ations ; and In proof of my assertion, I might refer abroad 

 to a Llnne, a Reaumur, a De Geer, a Huber, and various 

 other names of the highest reputation ; and at home to a Ray, 

 a Lister, a Derham, a Marsham, a Curtis, a Clark, a Rox- 

 burgh, &c. But I do not wish to conceal that though a large 

 proportion of entomologists direct their views much further 

 than to the mere nomenclature of their science, there exists a 

 great number, probably the majority, to whom the objection 

 will strictly apply. Now I contend, and shall next endeavour 

 to prove, that entomologists of this description are devoting 

 their time to a most valuable end ; and are conferring upon 

 society a benefit incalculably greater than that derived from 

 the labours of many of those who assume the privilege of 

 despising their pursuit. 



Even in favour of the mere butterfly-hunter — he who has 

 no higher aim than that of collecting a picture of Lepidopteraf 

 and is attached to insects solely by their beauty or singularity, 

 — it would not be difficult to say much. Can it be necessary 

 to declaim on the superiority of a people amongst whom in- 

 tellectual pleasures, however trifling, are preferred to mere 

 animal gratifications ? Is it a thing to be lamented that some 

 of the Spitalfields weavers occupy their leisure hours in search 

 ing for the Adonis butterfly (^Polyommatus Adonis), and others 

 of the more splendid Lepidoptera ^, instead of spending them 

 in playing at skittles or in an alehouse ? Or is there in truth 

 any thing more to be wished than that the cutlers of Sheflield 

 were accustomed thus to employ their Saint Mondays ; and 

 to recreate themselves after a hard day's work, by breathing 

 the pure air of their surrounding hills, while in search of this 

 " untaxed and undisputed game ^ ; " and that more of the 

 Norwich weavers were fond of devoting their vacant time to 



1 Haworth Lepid. Brit. 44. 57. 



2 Oft have I smiled the happy pride to see 

 Of humble tradesmen in their evening glee, 

 When of some pleasing fancied good possest, 

 Each grew alert, was busy and was blest ; 



YOL. I. T> 



