FEBRUARY. 49 



legs and wings moderately long ; body generally short 

 and robust, and not curved ; size small. 



14. (Estridce. Mouth obsolete; antennae very short, last 

 joint rounded ; body hairy. 



15. Hippobosddce. Head distinct and circular, closely 



united to the thorax ; eyes often very large ; clypeus 

 or anterior part of the head distinct, with the antennae 

 immersed in the anterior angles ; mouth forming a 

 kind of rostrum ; body short, depressed, and clothed 

 with bristles ; wings with halteres, but sometimes 

 wanting ; size small. 



The preceding families, from which I have omitted those 

 containing only exotic or rare genera, are again divided into 

 genera and species ; but the utter impossibility of entering 

 into an explanation of these divisions in an elementary work 

 of this nature, will be evident from the fact, that the sub- 

 divisions of the order Coleoptera would alone occupy a space 

 equal to half the present volume. When sufficient informa- 

 tion has been acquired of the orders and families, and a 

 general idea obtained of the study, those works may be read 

 to advantage which enter fully into the generic and specific 

 distinctions : at present they would only confuse the young 

 student. 



