y^ 



PREFACE. 



Mr. W. L. Distant who has for many years made a study 

 o£ the Rhyuchota, and who has paid particular attention to the 

 Cicadida', having prepared a catalogue of this family, together 

 with a synopsis of the subfamihes and genera, generously placed 

 the manuscript at the disposal of the Trustees with a view to its 

 publication. This offer having been accepted, Mr. Distant has 

 himself seen the proofs through the press, and has spared no 

 trouble to ensure accuracy in the determination of the species 

 :ind the correctness of the references. 



As there is no recent Catalogue of this family, it is con- 

 fidently hoped that this work will give valuable assistance to 

 persons wishing to gain a knowledge of this interesting group 

 of insects. 



E. RAY LANKESTER, 



Director. 



British Museum (Natural History), 



S, Kensington. 



March 24th, 1906. 



