P Px E F A C E , 



IN the year 184'2 the ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OP PENNSYLVA- 

 NIA* was formed, for the purpose of giving an impulse to the study 

 of Entomology, by bringing together the cultivators of the science, 

 and preparing a catalogue of the Coleoptera of this country. At 

 that time many coleopterous species in the cabinets of American 

 collectors were without fixed names, either because they could not 

 be identified from accessible descriptions, or because they were un- 

 described ; and before the catalogue could be prepared it was found 

 necessary to dispose of them in some manner. It was at length de- 

 termined that the unknown species should be described, and although 

 it was foreseen that the result would be likely to add a list of syno- 

 nyms, the necessity of the case seemed to offer a sufficient apology. 



Some knowledge of our Coleoptera, as known in Europe, has been 

 attained by an interchange of observations and specimens with ento- 

 mologists of competent authority there; and it is proper to mention, 

 on the present occasion, the liberality with which Knoch, Gyllenhal, 

 Germar, Schaum, Doubleday, Dejeau, and Gory have responded to 

 the calls of American entomologists. This method is, however, in- 

 convenient, and frequently impracticable. That Dr. T. W. Harris, 

 a working naturalist, has experienced the difficulties which it was the 

 object of the Society to diminish, is proved by the following remarks, 

 which he has appended to his catalogue of the insects of Massachu- 

 setts : " Should any of the sons of New England have the inclination 

 to turn their attention to this interesting branch of Natural History, 

 they must, for want of the necessary books on the subject, remain 



* Of this Society Dr. Melsheimer was elected President. EDS. 



