PREFACE. '^'^"i 



In presenting a new edition of the Epitome of the Insects of China to the 

 entomological public, I have endeavoured to bring it down to the present state 

 of the science. The former edition, like all the writings of Donovan, was 

 arranged in accordance with the system of Linnaeus, and bore the date of 1798. 

 At that period the science of Entomology was in its infancy ; but in the 

 subsequent forty years the progress which has been made, has indeed been 

 rapid. I have endeavoured to render the specific characters more precise, the 

 nomenclature more correct (giving the priority to the oldest specific name), 

 and the synonyms more numerous. The localities in many instances were 

 incorrectly given in the former edition ; and I have added many additional 

 observations, either incorporated in the text or given as foot notes, omitting 

 nothing which appeared in the former at all likely to instruct or interest the 

 reader. Alphabetical and systematic indices have also been introduced. I 

 dare not hope that this edition is faultless : I have endeavoured to render the 

 beautiful figures of Donovan as serviceable as possible, and must trust to tlie 

 indulgence of the more skilful specific entomologist. One circumstance may 

 be mentioned which will, at all events, be deemed an improvement, namely, 

 the introduction of numbers both for the plates and for the several figures on 

 each plate. Those who have consulted synonymical authorities in Entomology 

 are aware of the trouble and confusion which have originated in the want of a 



