vi BRITISH INSECTS 



induced by a perusal of the following pages to com- 

 mence the study of insects will not rest content with 

 booklore. The life-histories of so many common 

 species still await investigation, that the veriest tyro 

 may reasonably hope to make discoveries on his own 

 account, if only he will work honestly and well. 



I wish to offer my thanks to my friend the Rev. 

 Canon Fowler, D.Sc., M.A., who helped me to correct 

 the proofs, and suggested several emendations. 



I have also to acknowledge my indebtedness to 

 Messrs. T. C. and E. C. Jack for their permission to 

 reproduce (from my book, " Insects : Their Life- 

 Histories and Habits ") the photograph of the May-fly 

 which appears on Plate IV. 



H. B. 



