PREFACE. 



In these present days, when so much is known 

 about the habits and life history of our Noctuid moths, 

 there is little scope for a student to throw any new light 

 on these subjects ; hence we often find the more 

 studious entomologists directing their attention, rather 

 to the dry investigation of nomenclature, than to the 

 deeper examination of the structure of the insects which 

 they study. There are however still many students who 

 ask for work rather than books and mere cabinet 

 specimens. So work must be forthcoming or interest 

 will flag. When I conceived the idea of working upon 

 the male genital organs of the Noctuid group, I fondly 

 hoped the investigations would settle finally most of the 

 points in dispute amongst systematists. In this, as in 

 other of our incipient thoughts we must be prepared for 

 disappointments. There have been plenty of these, but 

 so interesting was the work that when they occurred 

 they only urged me on to a deeper insight into the 

 marvellous anatomy of these organs. And even now, 

 were it not for the earnest solicitations of my friends, 

 and the duty I owe to entomologists of all ranks (who 

 have so generously helped me with specimens, even to 

 the extent of taking them out of the much prized series 

 of their cabinets) to publish what I have already done, I 

 fear the temptation to continue my already extensive 

 preparations and examination of other groups, would be 

 too strong to be withstood. 



