to that constellation in natural philosophy, the great
Linnaeus, who with a wonderful discernment has unravelled
every difficulty, and given the labouring student
a clue to conduct him through the intricate divisions
of nature.
In the branch particularly of which we are treating,
he is universally acknowledged to have given a well-
founded and correct system; a system perhaps not altogether
faultless, but far superior to those of any other
writer, the best of whom, by making many, and too
nice distinctions in their arrangements, have served rather
to perplex than to inform.
A good system being obtained, the aid of the draughtsman
and painter, are necessary auxiliaries to delineate
the delicate figure, varied colours; the peculiar attitudes;
and beautiful outline of nature: but more especially to
pourtray, with minute accuracy, the essential characters
which mark the several orders, and again divide their
respective genera. A work that possesses these advantages,
that has also good materials to show the merit of
the execution, and is directed by a taste competent to
dispose the objects with a pleasing effect; must have a
decided superiority over every other performance of the
kind, and be received with universal approbation.
How far we have succeeded in this attempt at superiority,
we cannot presume to determine; but thus
much with truth may be said, that no labour or cost
has been spared to render this Publication as correct and
beautiful, as the subject is interesting.
The Public are already acquainted, that the Author,
at a very great expence, has established an Academy of
Youths, whose principal requisite for their introduction is
the possessing a natural Genius for Drawing and Painting,
to be cultivated and exerted under his immediate and
sole direction. From this institution two productions
have already issued: the former work; ' on the Non-descript
Shells of the South Seas; and the present, on the
Coleopterous Insects of England. These publications,
even if the Author should be ultimately prevented from
completing those designs which he is still prosecuting,