PUEFACK. V 



Of Ihc ten plates, whicli liave been carefully executed by Mr. 

 Wing, eight illustrate the generic characters, one the various forms 

 of the larvre, and one the perfect insects of several of the most 

 important genera (especially representing those which have any 

 peculiarity in their posture when in repose). 



It will be found by those who shnl'i this volume, that, even 

 with the help of the descriptions and the plates, it will be a matter 

 of considerable difhculty to name with certainty many species ; 

 those who do not associate with other entomologists are not aware 

 to how great an extent, the comparison of specimens with named 

 collections is carried. To all who meet with any difficulties of 

 this nature I offer my ser\ices ; and if they apply to me by letter 

 or personally, their wants shall be immediately attended to. In 

 order to be readily accessible without any previous appointment, 

 I have followed the example of the late Mr. Stephens, and "my 

 collections are thrown open for inspection, etc., every AVednesday 

 evening, to any gentleman, upon the presentation of his card." 



In concluding the labour of my leisure hours of three succes- 

 sive winters, I have to express my sincere thaidcs to all those who 

 have assisted me, either by tlie loan of specimens (frequently 

 uni(|ue), by the communication of original obscrvalions, or in the 

 more laborious operations of denuding wings, preHminarily inves- 

 tigating genera, or reviewing the descriptions of species : assistance 

 on all these points has been so freely given, tliat I hav(> felt my 

 position more that of an Mditor, taking advantage of the labours 

 of others, than that of an Author; yet, at the same time, for all 

 the errors and imperfections of this book I am solely responsible. 



II. T. Staixion. 



M<nr,i(sjleld, LeinslimiK 'lidi/ \i>l, 1854. 



