20 TO MY READERS. 



Birds, so also among Insects, we have diurnal and nocturnal ones. 

 Thus the Diamond Beetle shows its gold, ruby, emerald, and hyacinth 

 colours in the clear and bright sun-light, and the same is the case 

 with many Butterflies, who are on that account called diurnal ; while 

 the Hawk Moths, with a suspicious modesty, issue from their 

 dwellings, adorned with bridal dresses, only at twilight : and only 

 towards midnight are seen the gigantic Cecropia, and many others, 

 in their variegated cloaks, or the unicoloured, unpretending Luna ; 

 and these Insects are hence called nocturnal. In order to perfect 

 the task I have in hand, therefore, I shall continue to ramble many 

 more sunny days, and many more tropical nights, guided by the dim 

 and twinkling lamps of heaven, through open fields, dark woods, and 

 damp meadows, stimulated by the satisfactory assurance that these 

 labours cannot fail of being useful to all students of Nature, and 

 encouraged by the hope that thus a way may be 'opened to a more 

 general knowledge of Natural History, and a deeper admiration of 

 the ten thousand sublime and beautiful creatures that, in one common 

 song of praise, pour out their gratitude and proclaim their dependence 

 upon one common Father. 



