INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 3 



Another principal reason which has contributed to keep 

 Entomology in the back ground arises from the diminutive 

 size of the objects of which it treats. Being amongst the 

 most minute of nature's productions, they do not so readily 

 catch the eye of the observer ; and when they do, mankind 

 in general are so apt to estimate the worth and importance 

 of things by their bulk, that because we usually measure 

 them by the duodecimals of an inch instead of by the foot 

 or by the yard, insects are deemed too insignificant parts 

 of the creation, and of too little consequence to its general 

 welfare, to render them worthy of any serious attention or 

 study. What small foundation there is for such prejudices 

 and misconception, I shall endeavour to show in the course 

 of our future correspondence; my object now, as the 

 champion and advocate of Entomology, is to point out to 

 you, her comparative advantages, and to remove the veil 

 which has hitherto concealed those attractions, and that 

 grace and beauty, which entitle her to equal admiration 

 at least with her sister branches of Natural History. 



In estimating the comparative value of the study of any 

 department in this branch of science, we ought to contrast 

 it with others, as to the rank its objects hold in the scale of 

 being ; the amusement and instruction which the student 

 may derive from it ; and its utility to society at large. 

 With respect to public utility, the study of each of the three 

 kingdoms may perhaps be allowed to stand upon nearly an 

 equal footing ; I shall not, therefore, enter upon that subject 

 till I come to consider the question Cui bono ? and to point 

 out the uses of Entomology, but confine myself now to the 

 two first of these circumstances. 



As to rank, I must claim for the entomologist some degree 

 of precedence before the mineralogist and the botanist. The 

 mineral kingdom, whose objects are neither organised nor 

 sentient, stands certainly at the foot of the scale. Next 

 above this is the vegetable, Avhose lovely tribes, though 

 not endued with sensation, are organised. In the last and 

 highest place, ranks the animal world, consisting of beings 

 that are both organised and sentient. To this scale of 

 precedence, the great modern luminary of Natural History, 



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