34 OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. 



plant-hunting, like Joseph Fox, recorded by Sir James Smith 

 as the first raiser of a Lycopodium from seed ? ^ 



Still more easy is it to advocate the cause of another de- 

 scription of entomologists — the general collectors. These, 

 though not concerning themselves with the system, contribute 

 most essentially to its advancement. We cannot expect that 

 princes, noblemen, and others of high rank or large fortune 

 who collect insects, should be able or willing to give up the 

 time necessary for studying them systematically ; but their 

 museums being accessible to the learned entomologist, afford 

 him the use of treasures which his own limited funds or op- 

 portunities could never have brought together. As to others 

 of less consequence that content themselves with the title of 

 collectors, they also have their use. Having devoted them- 

 selves to this one department, they become more expert at it 

 than the philosopher who combines deep researches with the 

 collection of objects ; and thus are many species brought to- 

 gether for the use of the systematist, that would otherwise 

 remain unknown. 



But to proceed to the defence of systematic entomologists. 

 — These may be divided into two great classes : the first 

 comprising those who confine themselves to ascertaining the 

 names of the insects they collect ; the second, those who, 

 in addition, publish descriptions of new species, new ar- 

 rangements of intricate genera, or extrications of entangled 

 synonyms, and who, in other respects, actively contribute to 

 the perfection of the system. 



Now with regard to the first class, setting aside what may 



Whether the call-bird yield the hour's delight, 

 Or magnified in microscope the mite ; 

 Or whether tumblers, croppers, carriers seize 

 The gentle mind ; they rule it and they please. 

 There is my friend the weaver ; strong desires 

 Reign in his breast ; 'tis beauty he admires : 

 See to the shady grove he wings his way, 

 And feels in hope the rapture of the day — 

 Eager he looks, and soon, to glad his eyes, 

 From the sweet bower by nature form'd arise 

 Bright troops of virgin moths, and fresh-born butterflies. 

 * * * * 



He fears no bailiff' 's wrath, no baron's blame ; 

 His is untax'd and undisputed game. 



Crabbe's Borough, p. 110. 



I Lmn. Trans, il. 315. 



