THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER. 
79 
Entomology ranks next to the study of 
the higher orders of animals — before 
Botany and Geology; for, while the ge- 
ologist has to do with objects which are 
neither organized nor sentient, and the 
botanists with objects which, although 
organized, are not endued with sensa- 
tion, the energies of the entomologist are 
devoted to the study of beings which are 
both organized and sentient. Unfortu- 
nately, however. Entomology is regarded 
with vulgar contempt by the many, on 
account of the diminutive size of the 
objects it treats, and too many of those 
who profess to be entomologists look 
upon it merely as an amusement, not as 
a studi/. 
In this state of affairs I think that 
Examinations in Entomology are im- 
peratively called for. They would do 
incalculable good, by showing who really 
are entomologists, and w'ho are not ; by 
making Entomology more respected; by 
improving the character of our entomo- 
logical literature, and by tending to 
check the puerile mania for specimens, 
which has of late been so prevalent. In 
short, they would greatly benefit Ento- 
mology as a Science. 
A great deal has appeared in your 
columns concerning the manner in which 
such Examinations should be conducted. 
I do not see any reason why the ordinary' 
method of Examination should not be 
adopted. An examiner or examiners in 
each subject should be appointed, who 
should conduct the Examinations in their 
several departments, )>artly by printed 
papers, and partly vied voce. It is not 
absolutely essential that London should 
be the only place of Examination. The 
Examinations might also be conducted 
in a few central places throughout the 
kingdom. I do not think it would be 
advisable to limit the age at which can- 
didates should be admitted for Examina- 
tion ; many persons of twenty years of 
age know more on the subject than others 
of forty. A certain amount of knowledge 
should be required for a certain certifi- 
cate or degree, and more knowledge for 
a higher certificate or degree, just as in 
ordinary cases. A certain certificate or 
degree should be conferred on those who 
have a good general knowledge of Ento- 
mology, — i.e. of the structure, habits, 
metamorphoses, &c., of insects iu general, 
and of the main features and charac- 
teristics of the several groups. Exami- 
nations for honours in particular sub- 
jects might then be held by efficient 
examiners. 
The tests for proficiency in respect to 
the Lepidoptera should be more severe 
than in other cases, on account of the 
far greater amount of knowledge that is 
possessed of that group than of others. 
No person should be admitted to the 
Examinations for honours who had not 
previously satisfied the examiners in the 
preliminary Examination on Entomology 
in general. This would obviate, in a 
great measure, the disgraceful ignorance 
(disgraceful, because easily to be avoided) 
of many proficients in the Lepidoptera 
and Coleoptera of even the most ele- 
mentary facts concerning groups that 
are less attractive or less known. 
I hope the importance of the subject 
will be a sufficient excuse for the length 
of my communication. 
I am. Sir, 
Yours very truly, 
T. J. Stainton. 
ON EXCHANGE. 
To the Editor of the ‘Intelligencer,' 
Sir, — I am right glad to see that your 
correspondent “M. T.” has opened the 
attack upon the system of “Exchange,’' 
which, however useful it may appear in 
theory, and may really be in practice 
when carried on between persons who 
know and can trust one another, yet, as 
it is at present carried on through the 
