xxiv. PREFACE TO AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. f 



figured, yet care has been taken that species of different 

 o-enera be not represented in the same plate. The pages 

 are not numbered, and the enumeration of the plates, which 

 is on the inferior margin of the impression, is referred to 

 beneath the text. This arrangement will admit of the work 

 being bound up, when completed, agreeably to systematic 

 order in the successsion of genera, without any apparent 

 confusion of numerals. 



In order that the descriptions may be understood by those 

 who are not conversant with the science, we subjoin an ex- 

 planation of the technical terms used in Entomology, illus- 

 trated by elementary plates. 



Six plates of the present volume, together with their ac- 

 companying text, were printed off in the year 1817, but as 

 they were never properly published, it has been thought 

 advisable to include them in the present work. 



With these preliminary notices, the first volume of the 

 American Entomology is submitted to the patrons of science ; 

 and whatever may be its merits or its defects, we must ob- 

 serve, that it is the first attempt of its kind in this country. 

 It is an enterprise that may be compared to that of a pioneer 

 or early settler in a strange land, whose office it is to be- 

 come acquainted with the various productions exhibited to his 

 view, in order to select such as may be beneficial, either as re- 

 gards his physical gratification, or his moral improvement, 

 and in order to counteract the effects of others that may 

 have a tendency to limit his prosperity. From the novelty 

 of the suiTOunding objects, or the imperfection of his im- 

 plements, it is vain to suppose that his selection would be 

 unerring, or his system of culture invariably judicious. But 

 unabating industry and zeal remove obstacles that for ever 

 bar the advance of indolence or timidity ; and if our utmost 

 exertions can perform only a part of a projected task, they 

 may, at the same time, claim the praise due to the adventurous 

 , pioneer, of removing the difficulties in favor of our successors. 



