further hints to young entomologists. 
248 
The student would derive much advantage, in this respect, from placing before 
him ten or a dozen species of insects very closely resembling each other; such, 
for instance, as those composing the genus Harpalus [[or Amara] (Beetles of 
easy acquisition, and which any entomological friend will point out to him), and 
then endeavouring to find out and define in writing, in what manner each species 
may be characterised. Occasional exercises of this sort will soon give him a 
’keenness of perception, and a tact for discriminating, which he will be long in 
acquiring by other means.”* 
I have already recommended (p. 19) to beginners the use of the Linnsean 
system. It is necessary that, before proceeding further, the student should have 
a general knowledge of classification. For this purpose he may, at the onset, 
arrange his specimens under the Linnsean genera, paying no attention to the 
specific names. In order to do this, the characters of the Linnsean orders and 
genera must be well studied, and compared seriatim with the insects possessed. 
An acquaintance with ^some of’ the types of the most extensive divisions of 
modern systems will thus be obtained, and the study of them afterwards much 
facilitated. When he is tolerably acquainted with the outlines of the Linnsean, 
he may proceed to the modern arrangement. In this he will find much greater 
complexity.. Before arriving at the species, orders, tribes, families, sub-families, 
genera, and in some instances sub-genera, must be passed through. How¬ 
ever difficult the attainment of a knowledge of these numerous divisions may 
appear, it will be found in the end a very useful auxiliary. Let the student take 
any insect. By a comparison of its structure with the characters annexed to 
each of the orders, he will be able to determine to which it belongs. The tribes 
contained in the order selected, must next in like manner be proceeded with. 
Then the families in the tribes, and so on, until the descriptions of the species 
are arrived at. Lastly, the points in each description must be carefully compared 
with the specimen, and the species to which it belongs determined. At the com¬ 
mencement this course will be attended with considerable trouble; but each 
succeeding investigation will render the difficulty less. By assiduity and per¬ 
severance the student may obtain, in this manner, a perfect acquaintance with, 
and acute perception of, the structure, &c., of the insects that fall under his 
notice; together with a sound and extensive knowledge of classification, in ail 
its ramifications. 
The system which is adopted must of course be followed in arranging the 
specimens in the cabinet. c ‘ The modern practice, which is far the best,” says 
Samouelle, “ is to arrange insects in columns, with the generic name fastened by 
a pin above, and the specific below them___Males and females should be 
® Ibid, pp. SQ5-4Q7 
