XX 



while the latter, though given by the best writers, often puzzles and confounds the mind, 

 if our ideas do not keep pace with the author's meaning, the present work, by having 

 every coloured figure explained, must render it superior to any hitherto published in this 

 kingdom. The last author that published any figures of exotic subjects in natural history, 

 was Mr. Petiver, who, in his Gazophylacium, delineated a great variety of all the different 

 orders ; many of them exceeding curious and uncommon, being collected from various parts 

 of the world. But they were sent forth uncolourcd, and almost undescribed ; circum- 

 stances that render them less estimable by the difficulty there is, in many instances, of 

 knowing what the author meant ; the shape of the animal, plant, &c. being the principal, 

 and, sometimes, the only thing, we can understand. But although many of the figures 

 consist of mere outlines, not exquisitely well engraved, it is not without merit. There are 

 a great many very uncommon subjects exhibited, that were not known to exist in nature, 

 till he held them forth to public view. It is, in short, a work, that, at the same time it 

 manifested his desire for promoting his favourite study, was a proof of his assiduity, 

 affbrding great room for speculation ; and as the present is an improvement on his plan, I 

 flatter myself it will not be unacceptable to the lovers of natural history. There is yet 

 another advantage arising from the descriptions, that is not less than what I have already 

 mentioned. If this work should fall into the hands of a bookseller, after my decease, the 

 public would not probably be pestered with copies so execrably coloured, as is generally 

 the case with books of this sort, after the author's death ; the descriptions will be such a 

 guide for colouring the prints, that capital errors will not be able to find admittance : the 

 grossness of colouring a part yellow that should be red, or green, that ought to be blue, 

 would immediately be detected ; and the publisher, for his own sake, would undoubtedly 

 be careful to have the prints justly and accurately done. 



The experienced naturalist will perceive, that, throughout the quotations, I have not 

 availed myself of any of the ancient authors. I have scarcely mentioned Mouflfet, Aldro. 

 vandus, and others. It is certain, the figures to be seen in the works of most of the ancients 

 are so bad, I dared not give any quotation from them. The incorrectness of the outlines, 

 the irregularity and impropriety of the spots and marks, together with the looseness of the 

 engravings, renders them too imperfect for any one to venture mentioning them. Indeed 

 they are, in general, so little expressive of the insect intended to be represented, that no 

 dependance can be had on their figures, especially the farinaceous winged tribe. Clerck, 

 Merian, Roesel, Petiver, &c. are the authors I have principally mentioned, among the 

 iconographers ; and if the insect has been figured by a great many authors, as particularly 

 Plate 34. Fig. 7, 8. I have only mentioned a few : the rest may be known by looking into 

 the Systema of Linnseus*, under the title mentioned in the quotation. This author is the 

 principal one I have quoted among the descriptive writers : his great judgment in this 

 study, the plain method he has laid down for the classing of insects, together with the 



* The synonyms of this author are all taken from the 1-ith edition. 



