PREFACE. 



On this our third appearance before the public, we assume a 

 triple form — in other words the present Annual is issued 

 simultaneously in three editions. 



The Library Edition in cloth gilt, printed on superior 

 paper, and with more carefully coloured plate. 



The Original Edition in yellow boards as heretofore, 

 and The People's Shilling Edition in thick paper 

 wrapper, with uncoloured plate. 



By this method we hope to reach, though we fear we 

 cannot expect to satisfy, all classes of readers, and we trust it 

 will be found that there is no falling off in the amount of 

 interesting matter provided by our contributors. 



At the present day, when so much stir is being created at 

 the neglect which all orders of insects, save the Lepidoptera 

 and Coleoptera, experience from British Entomologists, a 

 Synopsis of the British Dragon-flies, from the pen of so 

 competent an authority as Dr. Hagen, will be welcomed as 

 a real step towards further progress. 



Mr. Janson's paper on Ants'-nest Beetles will be read with 

 interest by many who have never yet troubled themselves 

 with that curious page in Natural History, u the love of the 

 ant for the beetle." 



We apprehend that on our next appearance we shall be 

 compelled to enlarge our size ; Ave shall probably then have 

 more than one new contributor, and more than one group of 



