Biologia Centrali-Americana Insecta—Lepidoptera—Rhopalocera

Abstract

WE often hear, and are unfortunately compelled to admit, that the claims of learning are far too much neglected in our country, and that the wealth which is accumulated so much faster than in past times is but rarely under the control of men inspired as were the “pious founders and benefactors” of old. With humiliation and some perplexity we are forced to recognise that in younger lands the ancient spirit is as strong as it has ever been in history. Modern conditions have nothing to do with the indifference to learning exhibited by the average wealthy Englishman; for wealth is brought together under the newest of new conditions in the countries where it is lavishly spent in establishing and maintaining the centres of learning. And this is not only true of the most recent of Colonial and American universities. The older American universities date far back into colonial times. The life of Harvard as a university an independent Power is even now shorter than its life in a British Colony; and yet Harvard, Yale and the other older American universities yearly receive benefactions for which Oxford and Cambridge look in vain. The needs of both Oxford and Cambridge are widely known in the country, as well as the serious lack in efficiency which both of them suffer for want of an assistance which on the other side of the Atlantic would be freely given. The difference in spirit seems to lie in a glorious “fashion” formerly dominant and powerful, but at present weak and enfeebled, in this country while it reigns supreme elsewhere. Such an interpretation is hopeful; for fashions may, and often do, revive, and even surpass, their former influence. All honour to those who in these latter days have helped on the good work in our land. Among these noble efforts on behalf of learning a prominent place will always be assigned to the munificence which has placed the investigation of the biology of Central America to the credit of British science.

Biologia Centrali-Americana. Insecta—Lepidoptera—Rhopalocera.

Vols. i. and ii., 1879–1901. Pp. xlvi + 487 + 782. By Frederick Ducane Godman., and the late Osbert Salvin, F.R.S.