VI PREFACE. 



in this country ; but it is hoped that an acquaintance with 

 those insects which have been selected as examples of their 

 class, for their superior beauty or interest,, will prepare the 

 student for the profitable reading of those extended works, 

 which he will more readily comprehend, from having his 

 attention directed, in the commencement of the study, to a 

 comparatively few leading particulars. 



When these are well understood, and a tolerably accurate 

 idea is gained of the peculiarities of the Orders and Families, 

 the young Entomologist will turn with more satisfaction 

 and interest to the examination of works devoted to the 

 elucidation of the Genera and Species. Tor this purpose 

 the advanced student should consult Curtis^s ' British Ento- 

 mology,^ which has the advantage of beautifully-executed 

 coloured illustrations ; Westwood''s ^ Entomologist^s Compen- 

 dium' and ' Introduction to the Classification of Insects;' 

 and for ample information on the history, habits, and uses 

 of the insect tribe, Kirby and Spence's Introduction will be 

 found highly profitable and interesting. 



