INTRODUCTION. 5 



almost entirely on the lists supplied and on published informa- 

 tion, without being able to give them the thoroughly sifting process 

 applied to the raacro-lepidoptera. The group has been but very 

 imperfectly worked, and although the list is probably a nearly 

 accurate one of what is known, the next few years will doubtless 

 add considerably to it. 



An analysis of the entire list shews that we have T343 known 

 Yorkshire species out of 2031 British species, made u]) as 

 follows : — 



1343 2031 



The abbreviations used by Mr. Stainton, in his " Manual," 

 thus : — 



! signifying common, 



!! signifying abundant, 

 as being those to which we are most accustomed, are adopted. 

 But it must not be supposed for localities where these signs do 

 not appear, that the species in them is necessarily not "common" 

 or " abundant," for in many, indeed in most, lists sent in, there 

 was no indication whatever given as to the relative scarcity or 

 abundance of species. 



