OUR IGNORANCE OF THE 
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There are very many subjects and employments of 
mankind, which, if we would obtain a competent know- 
ledge of them, will require an almost undivided atten- 
tion ; yet, after all our “ rising early and late taking 
rest,” we shall know too little to be weighed in compe- 
tition with what is beyond our attainment or compre- 
hension. As in ascending mountainous regions we may 
reach the summit of one hill with comparative ease, 
that of a higher with more laborious efforts, and a still 
higher is attained by a gifted few, beyond which our 
breath fails us, our natural powers become inadequate ; 
so a small number may ascend the Alps of science, but 
pant, unable to attain the Himmala ranges of their 
wishes. If proficiency be the object, all the branches 
of natural history require undivided attention ; but 
amusement, admiration, and intelligence, may be ob- 
tained by even superficial observation ; and of all these 
departments, perhaps entomology, or the investigation 
of the insect world, from the variety it embraces, the 
season, the subjects, and the vigilance necessary to 
catch every momentary action, requires from its followers 
an homage more absolute, an attention more devoted, 
than most others. Amid those few branches of science 
on which I have sought for blossoms/ that of ento- 
mology I have least investigated ; yet, perhaps it may 
be said, that such slight notices as the foregoing need 
not have usurped the time that the study of this depart- 
ment required. To this truth I cannot but assent, and 
say with the eminent man, whose “ Centuries of Ex- 
periments” I have often quoted, that they are indeed 
more the suggestions of “light than of fruit;” pro- 
ficiency was beyond my powers; I have sought for 
amusement, and gratefully record the many peaceful 
hours, and oblivion of pain, which the perusal of 
nature’s volume gave me, superficial as that perusal 
was. 
On whatever side we turn our attention in this world 
of wonders by which we are surrounded, we constantly 
find some subject that calls forth our admiration ; and, 
as far as our very imperfect vision is permitted to pene- 
trate, we observe the same unremitting order and pro- 
