X PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 



The third group (Car abides) corresponds with the Simplicipedes 

 of Dejean, and comprises the Carabida of MacLeay and Stephens 

 and iheElaphrida of Stephens (Carabini andElaphrini, Erichson). 

 These have the elytra also entire ; the anterior tibiae entire and 

 not notched; the anterior tarsi being more or less dilated in 

 the 8. 



The fourth group (Harpalides) comprehends the Patellimanes, 

 Feroniens and Harpaliens of Dejean, and corresponds with the 

 HarpalidcR of MacLeay and Stephens; they have the elytra 

 entire or very slightly emarginate before the apex ; the anterior 

 tibiae notched within ; and the anterior tarsi of the <? with from 

 two to four joints at the base more or less considerably dilated, 

 in some genera the intermediate tarsi being likewise dilated. 



The fifth group (Bembidides) comprises the insects assigned by 

 Dejean to his group Subulipalpes, with the exception of the genus 

 Trechus (Blemus, Steph.), and corresponds with the Bembidiida 

 of Stephens. The insects which compose this group have their 

 elytra entire ; the anterior tibiae notched within ; and the anterior 

 tarsi of the c? with usually two joints dilated. 



The generic characters employed in this work are chiefly 

 borrowed and adopted from Erichson and Heer, or based upon 

 Mr. Curtis's admirable dissections. The modern subdivisions of 

 genera having proved unsatisfactory, being sometimes founded 

 on almost imaginary differences, at any rate far from constant, 

 are altogether rejected, and I have merely inserted the names of 

 the subgenera in brackets for the convenience of those English 

 entomologists who have been most accustomed to Stephens's 

 arrangement, without meaning to attach to them any importance 

 otherwise. 



The Woodlands, 

 April 6, 1854. 



