will not have helped to swell the already long list of synonyms by the 

 above step. 



In the fixing of the type of a genus we have adopted the "first 

 species" principle in all instances where no type has been specified. 

 This method, while in many cases rather radical, appears to us the 

 only one by which a stable system of nomenclature can ever be achieved, 

 and while we recognize that in some instances a certain amount of in- 

 justice may be done to individual authors we feel that this is out- 

 weighed by the greater advantages derived from the attainment of a 

 fixed nomenclature. We are aware that this method is still looked 

 upon with disfavor by several of the leading authorities of this coun- 

 try, but with such eminent entomologists as Dr. Jordan and Sir G. 

 Hampson in England voicing this principle, we consider that until an 

 absolute stable system of nomenclatorial rules is laid down and 

 adopted, we are perfectly justified in following their lead. 



Owing to the relative rarity of many of the smaller species from 

 the south and south-west, very few of our North American species 

 have ever been figured. It has therefore seemed advisable to us to 

 illustrate as fully as possible. In many instances we have been en- 

 abled to present a figure of the type specimen ; in all other cases the 

 specimen used for figuring purposes has been compared with the type, 

 either by ourselves or by some competent authority. In this connection 

 we would extend our heartiest thanks to Dr. H. G. Dyar for his kind- 

 ness in securing us photographs of some species in the National 

 Museum unknown to us, and for his constant readiness to afTord us 

 all the assistance in his power; also to Dr. H. P. Felt, who has fur- 

 nished a photo of Lintner's types, together with notes on same ; further 

 to Mr. Gerhard, Curator of the Field Museum, Chicago, and Mr. J. 

 Doll of the Brooklyn Inst. Museum, both of whom have rendered 

 valuable aid in securing photographs and comparing specimens. 



