VI PREFACE. 



order and precision ; thus, having all the effect, but under a 

 more alluring mask, of the abstract mathematics, and the logic of 

 the schools. This character attaches more peculiarly to that 

 portion of natural history upon which this work exclusively 

 bears namely, the STUDY OF INSECTS. Their great multitude 

 and diversity, their brilliancy of colour, eccentricity and extreme 

 elegance of form, their metamorphoses, complexity of structure, 

 and peculiarities of habits, always adapted to the purposes they 

 have to accomplish in the economy of nature, altogether unite to 

 give an intense interest to this delightful pursuit. 



Having thus summarily shown the value of the work, and the 

 utility and pleasure to be derived from the study of the science, 

 it only remains for me to add my best thanks to DR. BURMEISTER 

 for the promptitude with which he spontaneously supplied me, 

 upon hearing of my undertaking, with the new MS. of several 

 portions wherein his opinions had become modified or changed. 



THE TRANSLATOR. 



