PN ERO DU Cl LON. 
Autnoven the first volume of the “ Exotic Butterflies,” which is now brought to a 
close, has not succeeded in a pecuniary point of view, we do not hesitate to proceed 
with a second—having abundant materials with which to fill its pages—willing to 
consider any loss which we may sustain as a slight contribution towards the advance- 
ment of our favourite science, and unwillimg that the many beautiful things which 
have delighted our own eyes should not also be enjoyed by our brother naturalists. 
Two hundred and seventeen butterflies have been figured as new and distinct 
species, and I believe they will stand the test of close examimation. No one can 
deprecate more than I do the needless multiplication of species in which some of the 
naturalists (especially ornithologists) of the present day, both im France and England, 
seem to take so much pleasure, who, with the knowledge always before them that 
certain species vary ad infinitum, that others are cosmopolitan in their range, neverthe- 
less take some extra spot of colour, aided by some slight geographical separation, as 
sufficient ground upon which to erect a species. I have, however, learned to give 
great deference to the opinion of any one who may be closely studying some particular 
group, having myself come to a decision with regard to some of the Ithomias, which 
I have afterwards reversed upon nearer acquaintance with them, wondering at my 
own want of acumen; indeed, so intimate have I become with specimens in my own 
cabinet, as to know them from others of the same species, when there was no 
appreciable difference. Mr. Wollaston has aptly compared the progress we make in 
the study of Natural History, to our approach to some mountain range, which, 
though undefined at first, reveals unexpected beauties as the eye becomes “ tramed ” 
to see them. 
With regard to two or three species, it may be thought that I have allowed 
too much scope for variation, but with the exception of the two Ithomias figured at 
66 and 67, which it would have been perhaps as well to separate, I have no reason 
to change my opinion. 
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