y\\[ Prefatory Note 



with which some Xaturc-books try to disseminate knowledge. The few 

 teciinical terms used are all explained in the text in connection with their 

 first use, and besides are inserted in the Index with a specific reference, in 

 black-faced type, to the explanation. So that the tyro reading casually in 

 the book and meeting any of these terms apart from their explanation ha? 

 only to refer to the Index for assistance. Readers more interested in account.' 

 of the habits and kinds of insects than in their structure and physiology 

 will be inclined to skip the first three chapters, and may do so and still find 

 the rest of the book "easy reading" and, it is hoped, not devoid of entertain- 

 ment and advantage. But the reader is earnestly advised not to spare the 

 little attention especiall)- needed for understanding these first chapters, and 

 thus to ensure for his later reading some of that quality which is among 

 the most valued possessions of the best minds. 



In pre[>aring such a book as this an author is under a host of obligations 

 to previous writers and students which must perforce go unacknowledged. 

 Some formal recognition, however, for aid and courtesies directly tendered 

 by J. H. Comstock of Cornell University, whose entomological text-books 

 have been for years the chief sources of knowledge of the insects of this 

 country, I am able and glad to make. To my artist. Miss Mary Wellman, 

 for her constant interest in a work that must often have been laborious and 

 wearying, and for her persistently faithful endeavor toward accuracy, I extend 

 sincere thanks. To Mrs. David Starr Jordan, who read all of the manuscript 

 as a "general reader" critic, and to President .Jordan for numerous sugges- 

 tions I am particularly indebted. For .special courtesies in the matter of 

 illustrations (permission to have electrotypes made from original blocks) 

 I am obliged to Prof. F. L. Washburn, State Entomologist of Minnesota (for 

 nearly one hundred and fifty figures), Prof. M. V. Slingerland of Cornell 

 University, Dr. E. P. Felt, State Entomologist of New York, Mr. \\"m. 

 Beutenmiiller, editor of the Journal of the New York Entomological Society, 

 and Dr. Henry Skinner, editor of the Entomological News. 



Vernon L. Kellogg. 

 Stanford University, California, 

 June I. 1904. 



