INTRODUCTION. 69 



most interesting feature consists of the representa- 

 tions of a great number of the caterpillars of exotic 

 species, most of which had been figured by Cramer 

 in the perfect state. These caterpillars are extremely 

 well engraved and coloured, and afford singular 

 examples of the variety and strange configuration of 

 parts and appendages to be found in this depart- 

 ment. Their accuracy may be depended on, as 

 they were drawn from life by a skilful artist, and 

 were traced through their various metamorphoses 

 in their native country. The greater number of 

 them are from Surinam. 



Six years subsequently to the date of the volu- 

 minous work of Cramer, another appeared in this 

 country, devoted to the rare Lepidoptera of Georgia, 

 by John Abbot and Sir J. Edward Smith. Of 

 this magnificent publication it is not easy to speak 

 in terms of too high commendation. The drawings 

 were made by Abbot, who was a first-rate entomo- 

 logical draftsman; Sir J. E. Smith superintended 

 the arrangement, and John Harris engraved the 

 plates : such co-operation could scarcely fail to pro- 

 duce valuable results. Abbot was sent to America 

 for the express purpose of examining and collecting 

 its insect productions, his expenses being in part 

 defrayed by a few naturalists in this country, who 

 looked for remuneration in the remittance of speci- 

 mens and the general advancement of the science 

 to which they were attached. In prosecution of this 

 object he traversed many parts of the United States, 

 and ultimately settled in Georgia, whence he trans- 



