vi INSECTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



of the natural history of insects, were the means for obtaining infor- 

 mation on this branch of science more generally diffused. 



The plan of this JReport, which I have now the honor of submitting, 

 through you, to the people of this Commonwealth, was suggested by 

 the foregoing considerations, by the want of a work on our native in- 

 sects, combining scientific with practical details, and by the letter of 

 instructions that accompanied my commission, wherein the economi- 

 cal advantages to be derived from an investigation of the natural his- 

 tory of this State, were particularly pointed out as objects of attention. 



A large amount of the materials, made use of in this work, was 

 collected many years ago, at comparatively little cost ; but, after en- 

 tering on my official duties, I was obliged to procure, at an expense 

 far exceeding the compensation allowed me, a great number of books, 

 in order to make myself acquainted with the discoveries and improve- 

 ments in entomology therein set forth. In some cases I have had to 

 rely on the recorded observations of others, for the want of an oppor- 

 tunity to make the necessary investigations myself. The many ap- 

 plications, which I have made to various persons, for information 

 respecting our destructive insects, have rarely brought me any satis- 

 factory replies. The greater part of my first report, which was pre- 

 sented to the Legislature, in the year 1838, has been embodied in this, 

 in order to afford a connected view of the whole subject. From 

 among the numerous insects which are injurious to plants, I have se- 

 lected for description chiefly those which are remarkable for their 

 size, for the peculiarity of their structure and habits, or for the extent 

 of their ravages ; and these, alone, will be seen to constitute a for- 

 midable host. 



You have already looked over a considerable part of the manu- 

 script, and have been pleased to express a favorable opinion of it. 

 Should it prove as satisfactory to you and to the public, in its present 

 form, the time and labor, bestowed upon it, will not have been spent 

 in vain, 



By your friend and servant, 



THADDEUS WILLIAM HARRIS. 



Cambridge, December 1, 1841. 



