INTRODUCTION. 19 



terms of the circular note under which entomologists were 

 asked to compete for the prizes. This fac^t, together with 

 the merits of his composition, seem to be a fair offset 

 to the greater labor bestowed upon tlie paj)er of ]Mr. Beu- 

 tenmiiller. 



"We have pleasure in bearing testimony to the fact which 

 has appeared from the reading of the papers submitted, 

 that the various essayists have pursued their studies in a 

 conscientious spirit and with painstaking methods worthy 

 of high commendation, and which give promise that future 

 investigations and studies, should they seem to be justified, 

 will be conducted in a manner and with results in every 

 way creditable to American entomologists. 



"Very truly yours, 



"HENRY C. McCOOK, 

 "J. S. NEWBERRY." 



It is not too much to say that the work done by Mrs. 

 Aaron, Mr. Weeks, and Mr. Beutenmiiller is an honor to 

 science, to American entomologists, and to themselves. 



It is important that this good work should be re- 

 corded in an easily accessible and durable form and lodged 

 upon the shelves of our libraries. The subject is bne of 

 great possibilities, and, whatever the final outcome may be, 

 each step should be faithfully written out and the record 

 carefully preserved. 



It is not to be supposed that the investigations here be- 

 gun will rest with this publication. And in order that 

 any observer may continue the subject to greater com])lete- 

 ness, reasonably clear that he is in possession of all that 

 the world has done in this connection up to the year 1890, 



