PREFACE. 



X1H 



so many journals, magazines and other periodicals entirely unconnected with 

 natural history, that we hope their citation will be favorable received. In set- 

 tling the weight due to contradictory statements, we have endeavored to avoid 

 the influence which is supposed to be connected with the verba magistri; and in 

 all cases have freely, and we trust not offensively, expressed our opinions when 

 our own observations have been at variance with those of previous writers. 



JAMES E. DE KAY. 



The Locusts, Queens County. 

 January 1, 1842. 



Pref. 



