x i v PREFACE. 



understood by the general reader, for whose use 

 the book is chiefly intended. I have, at the same 

 time, as much as possible, stript the descriptions 

 of such terms as can be understood only by 

 the technical entomologist. 



When the reader has perused this book, 



which embraces so trifling a department of 



Entomology, I hope that he may be induced to 



dip deeper into a science which, although it has 



been much neglected, abounds nevertheless in 



wonderful and diversified manifestations of 



creative wisdom. It contains, besides, objects 



of equal beauty to any other department of 



Natural History, possessed of forms which, if 



not so grand as that of the noblest of animated 



beings, are certainly more remarkable for 



the singularity of their conformation, and the 



striking peculiarity of their habits. 



Entomology is, of all branches of natural 

 science, the most comprehensive. There appears 

 to be no limits to it ; and I am convinced, that 

 of the minuter species we do not know a fiftieth 

 part. Microscopic investigation has shewn, 

 that, so far as the power of a lens could lead us, 

 the most minute insect we have yet discovered 



