Al riioirs NOTE. 



It was at the instigation of mj' luuch-hiuifnted fiiend Dr. John Lawrence 

 LeConte that the idea of monographing the Corylophidii' first entered into my 

 mind : and this fact would alone be sufficient to induce me to dedicate the work 

 to his memory, even if I were not impelled to do so Ijy veneration for his 

 character, both as a man of science and a sincere Christian. In these days of 

 scepticism and infidelity, it is refreshing to find an intellect like LeConte's free 

 from the pride of human knowledge, and imbued with higher and more spiritual 

 aspirations ; ever seeking through the works of creation to promote the glory 

 of the Creator. 



In his Address to the Academy of Philadelphia, in 1875, Dr. LeConte 

 set forth his views of the true harmony of science with religion, in language 

 scarcely to be surpassed for power or elegance. And in the following lines 

 he has left a faithful portrait of his own character, and- a lesson which many 

 would do well to learn. Speaking of the evident proofs of intelligence, as 

 distinguished from instinct, which are so commonly found, even in the insect 

 world, he says : " Since it is so difficult for us to understand the mental 

 processes of beings more or less similar but inferior to ourselves, we should 

 exercise great caution when we have to speak of the designs of One who is 

 infinitely greater. Let us give no place to the crude speculations of would-be 

 teleologists, who are indeed in a great part already refuted by the progress of 

 science, which continually exhibits to us higher and more beautiful relations 

 between the phenomena of Nature than it hath entered into the heart of man 

 to conceive. Let not our vanity lead us to believe that, Ijecause God has deigned 

 to guide our steps a few paces on the road of truth, we are justified in speaking 

 as if He had taken us into intimate companionship, and informed us of all 

 J lis counsels." 



A. MATTHEWS. 



