290 
WEEKLY ENTOMOLOGIST. 
The publication of a new work on 
any branch of entomological science 
is always an important event. Each 
year, we find a record, as complete 
as possible, of discoveries and careful 
observation, in the “Manual.” But 
we want a few more special works, 
the result of investigations in some 
special direction. 
Many orders of insects are still 
almost unknown. To any one who 
commences the study of such orders, 
they present very great difficulties. 
But these very difficulties might 
suggest the fact that there is abun- 
dant room for solid service ; that the 
worker is treading in an unknown 
path ; that it may be his to make a 
sti'aight way for those who follow. 
Amid such difficulties, lies the field 
for a noble ambition ; for the asser- 
tion of a noble individuality. It i3 
thus that the world’s discoverers 
have ever stood alone, searching for 
the hidden treasure, in firm reliance 
on themselves, and shaping their 
course, in long-enduring and patient 
effort. It is thus that all great 
achievements are gained — not by 
the study of another’s example, but 
by putting forth of unflagging ener- 
gies for the shaping of a new course. 
And thus self-help must be our 
guiding principle in this study as in 
all else. One discovery worked out 
by ourselves is worth pages of mere 
book-lore ; and yet there can be no 
higher wish, than the wish to leave 
behind us some mementoes of our 
toil. There is no desire that spurs 
more effectuall 3 r to the fulfilment of 
grand purposes than that of teaching 
to others what we have first taught 
oursclvfes. 
In fact, if our science be worth 
anything, it has a higher purpose 
than the mere gathering of speci- 
mens. It sees, in all it turns to, the 
means of instructing those who walk 
in the same way as ourselves ; and 
it ceases not from its efforts till its 
labour has achieved that object, and 
left some footsteps behind. 
The Weekly Entomologist may be 
obtained from Mr. T. or Mr. J. B. 
Blackburn, the Yews, Woodford, 
London, N.E., by post, price Three 
Shillings and Three-pence per 
quarter, prepaid. 
Also of C. Andrew, 129, High 
Street, Cheltenham ; T. Brown, 2, 
Collingate, York ; J. E. Robson, 
Olive Street, Hartlepool ; T. Cookk, 
Naturalist, 513, New Oxford Street, 
London. 
Those who make any discovery, 
or capture of a rare species, or 
observation of general interest, are 
requested to communicate at once a 
notice of the same to Mr. T. or Mr. 
J. B. Blackburn, at. Woodford. 
Booksellers willing to undertake 
the agency in their respective neigh- 
bourhoods are requested to com- 
municate with the same gentlemen. 
Remittances should be sent in 
Post Office orders or Stamps. 
