PREFACE. V 



this modern classification of insects, we should deserve the 

 greatest assistance from an acquaintance with their preparatory 

 states, I have, during sixteen years of attentive observation, con- 

 stantly kept that object in view, carefully noting down with pen 

 and pencil every fact which seemed to bear upon the subject. 

 I have studied nature in the woods and fields, tending and 

 observing insects in all their various transformations, well 

 knowing, that the man who confines his researches to the mere 

 collection and examination of museum specimens, can neither 

 possess so intellectual an enjoyment, nor acquire so perfect a 

 knowledge of the subject, as is to be derived from the exami- 

 nation of living nature; and it is both with pleasure and with 

 pride that I now submit the results of my numerous observa- 

 tions to the reader. 



Another object, which strongly impressed itself upon my 

 attention, was the necessity for a careful examination and ar- 

 rangement of the facts scattered throu"liout the voluminous 

 transactions of foreign and native societies, and the various 

 zoological and entomological magazines and other repertoria of 

 science. The time occupied in wading through the hundreds of 

 volumes which this investigation has necessitated, has been im- 

 mense ; but the value of the observations otherwise left to 

 slumber unnoticed, will speak for itself. Independent of the 

 mateinals thus obtained and alluded to in the body of the work, 

 the " Bibliographical Notices" attached to each family, cannot 

 but be of infinite service to the student. 



It is not, however, to my own materials, and those derived 

 from published works alone, that I have had recourse. I have 

 industriously availed myself of every opportunity of studying 

 the collections, as well in great Britain as in France and Ger- 

 many; and I must take the present opportunity of retvu'ning 

 my sincere thanks to all my friends who have assisted me in my 

 undertaking, and whose commimications I have punctually 

 noticed in the body of my work; but more especially to M. 



