pleasure, of which, although so sadly in want, they have now no idea. When it is considered that there are above ten thousand species of insects in Britain, it will be obvious how few of the wonders of insect-life I have been able to indicate within the limited compass of these pages. For the same reason it will easily be understood that no single individual can ever hope to have within his own experience the natural history of even the insects of his own country; and when the facts I have mentioned have not come under my own eyes, or when they have already been graphically set forth by others, I have preferred, as the more effective and honest course, to quote the very words of the narrators, rather than to give a story of my own founded upon them. My endeavour has been to put some of the more prominent and interesting characteristics of insectlife into a readable form, to point out some of the best localities for insects, and the methods of capture, with the hope that the readers will be induced to go and examine the objects for themselves. If I shall have succeeded in this labour of my leisure hours, I may be induced to continue the work; but at any rate I shall be happy to answer any enquiries addressed to me through the post. 6, Kingswood Place, Lee, March, 1856. THE AUTHOR. § I. THE HOUSE. "A house retired, convenient, snug, But suited to the dweller's means, ANON. THE house in Entomology, as in many other things, serves as a base of operations. Here are prepared and kept, not only the instruments of capture, but also the cabinets and boxes in which the products of the chase are stored, and the books by means of which the amusement of leisure hours becomes knowledge and science: the house also serves as a field for collecting, as will shortly be seen. The instruments used in taking insects are few, simple and cheap-important matters to beginners, and especially young ones. Pins of two or three sizes,* a ring-net for butterflies and other flying insects,† a * The best are the solid-headed, made by Edelsten and Williams, and sold, in London, at No. 1, Crown Court, Cheapside. + In the Entomologist's Companion' I have described as follows a net invented and still made by Mr. Robert Downie, of Barnet, who also makes a very portable, yet strong, sweeping-net (much used by collectors of small beetles, &c.), boxes and other apparatus :-" Find B |