

PREFACE. 



HE Editor hopes that this abridged form 

 of (e Episodes of Insect Life " retains all 

 the beauties of the original edition, while 

 it is freed from the repetitions, and other 

 defects, which resulted from the manner in which the 

 original volumes were successively produced. 



The reader's attention is specially directed to the illus- 

 trations, which represent insects and scenes in their life. 

 The minuteness with which the artist has reproduced 

 every characteristic detail is truly admirable ; and even 

 in small insects, which are drawn of their natural size, 

 the artist has been equally conscientious, not neglecting a 

 single joint of the antenna?, nor each claw of the tiny foot. 

 Most of the drawings must be examined, as the insect 

 itself must be viewed, with the aid of a magnifying 



