VI PEEFACE. 



references to a few authors, either because their 

 writings|are of interest to English readers, or as being 

 the authorities for important synonyms. Those readers 

 who require a more complete synonymy are referred 

 to W. F. Kirby's ' Synonymic List of the Orthoptera/ 

 a reference to this important work being given in the 

 treatment of each insect. 



At the present day there is no necessity to make an 

 apology for occupying space with original descriptions, 

 their value being generally acknowledged. 



In most cases the early stages of our Orthoptera are 

 but little known, nor is it an easy matter to investigate 

 them. Here anyone taking up the study of the Order 

 will find great scope for his activities. 



For some naturalists the habits and distribution of the 

 various species have a special interest. These branches 

 of the subject, therefore, have been treated as fully as 

 circumstances would allow. Here also is abundant 

 opportunity for research. There are in fact large 

 tracts of the British Isles whose orthopterous fauna is 

 practically unknown, and, until students of the Order 

 become more numerous, apparently must remain so. 



It is the very pleasing duty of the author to record 

 his obligation to a large number of correspondents^ 

 who have provided notes and sent lists of localities or 

 insects for inspection to assist him in the compilation 

 of the paragraphs on British distribution. The list 

 includes: W. J. Ashdown, E. A. Atmore, E. C. Bedwell, 

 H. W. Bell-Marley, G-. C. Bignell, L. Blathwayt, E. N. 

 Bloomfield, W. Bracken, C. A. Briggs, S. E. Brock,. 

 F. Balfour-Browne, M. Burr, H. Campion, Gr. C. 

 Champion, T. A. Chapman, A. Cant, R. T. Cassal, 

 A. J. Chitty, T. A. Coward, C. W. Dale, J. G. Dalgliesh, 



