PREFACE. Vll 



tion, viz. that " too much importance is attributed to 

 the Lamellicorns as a group." Against this charge 

 I must beg leave to enter my dissent ; and in reply- 

 ing to it, I feel compelled, partly in self-defence, 

 to obtrude my opinions on the modern arrangement 

 of insects, " if rightly viewed they may probably be 

 adopted, if wrongly let them fall." Linneus, 

 Fabricius, and Olivier placed at the head of insects 

 the Lamellicorns ; most modern writers commence 

 with the Cicindelidse, or Tiger Beetles, (Euptera of 

 Kirby). Differing from the latter systematists, 

 neither am I inclined to side entirely with the 

 former ; for after a rigid examination into the prin- 

 ciples of modern classification, I candidly confess 

 I agree with no one author^ as the nervous system, 

 according to my views, does not appear to have 

 been sufficiently attended to. If a system of cir- 

 cular distribution be admitted, we may as well 

 commence with the Lamellicorns as any other 

 group. But there are sufficient reasons why the 

 Lamellicorns should precede Cicindela or Carabus. 

 It is not merely the simple structure of the stomach, 

 it is not their vast bulk or strength, (on which little 

 stress can be laid,) but it is in the important func- 

 tions they perform, it is in relation to the econo- 

 mical purposes of the human race, that they ought 



