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insects, as these can be learnt from any text book, but I would 
rather point out those paths of research which may be most profit- 
ably followed, by those who intend to devote themselves to this 
branch of natural history. At the risk of appearing somewhat 
pedantic, I shall divide the work of the entomologist into three por- 
tions, according as it has reference to the anatomy, the physiolog}’-, 
or the zoology of insects, and under each of these three heads I will 
make a few remarks. 
The anatomy of insects is a most interestiug study, but as it 
must mainly be conducted with the assistance of the microscope, 
papers on this subject Avould perhaps more properly be read 
before the microscopic society. I shall therefore not enter at all 
upon this branch of the study, but would simply remind young 
entomologists, that it is absolutely necessary that they should have 
some knowledge of the structure of insects, in order that they may 
understand the distinctions between the different orders, famihes, 
genera, and species, and be able to describe correctly any new cater- 
pillars or perfect insect which they may be fortunate enough to 
meet with. 
By the physiology of insects I mean the study of their lives, and 
the mode of action of the complex mechanism of their bodies, and 
to this subject I would particularly direct the attention of my 
hearers. Up to a very recent period British entomologists had paid 
but very little attention to the life histories of insects ; the eggs, 
larvae, and chrysalides of a great number of even our commonest 
Lepidoptera were quite unknown in this country, and descriptions 
and figures of the caterpillars were copied from the works of foreign 
observers. During the last few years, however, much has been done, 
especially in working out the life histories of the fen insects, and a 
portion of this work, at least will I hope, be accomplished by 
Members of this Society. There are many advantages to be derived 
from this pursuit In the first place it encourages habits of close 
and careful observation, for it should be remembered that no 
scientific truth is so trivial or unimportant as to be unworthy of 
observation, and it is remarkable on what very slight physiological 
causes very important practical resxilts are sometimes dependent. 
In the second place it tends to prevent the entomologist from 
degenerating into a mere collector. There is always a fear lest avc 
should forget that the great end to be kept in view is to add to 
