PREFACE. Vll 



of genera, without any apparent confusion of 

 numerals. 



In order that the descriptions may be under- 

 stood by those who are not conversant with the 

 science, we subjoin an explanation of the tech- 

 nical terms used in Entomology, illustrated by 

 elementary plates. 



Six plates of the present volume, together 

 with their accompanying text, were printed off 

 in the year 1817, but as they were never pro- 

 perly published, it has been thought advisable to 

 include them in the present work. 



With these preliminary notices, the first vo- 

 lume of the American Entomology is submitted 

 to the patrons of science ; and whatever may be 

 its merits or its defects, we must observe, 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 become acquainted wdth the 

 various productions exhibited to his view, in 



