VI PREFACE. 



In such inquiries as these, the study of classification and 

 geographical distribution becomes the study of evolution, a 

 doctrine which is now recognized as giving the chief inspi- 

 ration to any zoological inquiry. 



I have had very great difficulty in finding some of the 

 types referred to in this work, and some of those still missing, 

 as shown in the list at the end of this volume, probably still 

 exist in the Department. Many years ago, some one, not 

 acquainted with the types in the Hope collection of moths, 

 weeded out many faded-looking specimens and deposited 

 them in old drawers and cases now in the loft at the top 

 of the building. I think I have now searched through every 

 case and box, and have recorded all that I can recognize : 

 none of the specimens thus separated having names attached 

 to them, it has been very slow and difficult work to establish 

 their identity ; fortunately they all still retain Wallace's well- 

 known locality labels. 



I have to thank Professor Poulton for much kindly assist- 

 ance, Lord Walsingham and Mr. John Hartley Durrant for 

 being so good as to work out the Pterophoridae and Tineina, 

 Sir George F. Hampson for assistance in the earlier part of 

 the work, and to Mr. W. Warren, whose unrivalled knowledge 

 of the Geometrina has been of the greatest assistance. 



C. SWINHOE. 



OXFORD, 



ii June, 1900. 



