PRKKACE. 



The twelve years which have passed since the publication of the 

 Check List by Mr. G. R. Crotch have proved its usefulness to stu- 

 dents of our fauna. By facilitating exchanges among collectors in 

 different parts of our country it has made the diverse forms of our 

 extensive fauna known in regions remote from their habitats. 



In the present List the families and genera are arranged strictly in 

 accordance with the Classification of the Coleoptera of North America 

 by Drs. LeConte and Horn (Washington, 1883), the species following 

 according to the most recent studies. 



Synonyms are included only when necessary to connect the present 

 with preceding lists. Species of uncertain value and position are 

 added, unnumbered, at the end of the genera to which they are sup- 

 posed to belong. 



Grenera inserted without specific names are known to occur here, 

 but the species are undetermined. 



Much of the synonomy in the present List is the result of a special 

 study, chiefly by Dr. Horn, of the writings of the authors who have 

 treated exclusively of the species of our fauna. In this manner the 

 species of Beauvois (1805), Kirby (1837), Randall (1838), Newman 

 (1838-42), Ziegler (1844-45), Bland (1862-G4), Walker (1866) 

 and Casey (1884-85) have been collated, and their value or synonomy 

 determined frequently fi'om the types themselves. 



It is my intention to prepare for the pages of " Entomologica 

 Americana" annual supplements. I shall, therefore, be indebted for 

 information concerning any errors or omissions which may be noticed 

 in the present List. 



Owing to the length and the advantage of annotations the list of 

 species erroneously accredited to our fauna will be printed elsewhere. 



In conclusion I would acknowledge my indebtedness to Dr. Gr. H. 

 Horn, whose kind interest and assistance have rendered the List more 

 authoritative and valuable and very much lightened my work. 



SAMUEL HENSHAW. 



Boston, Sept. 15, 1885. 



