Vlll PREFACE. 



to take precedence. They are of greater utility to 

 man than nearly all other groups, in checking the 

 over-luxuriance of tropical vegetation ; in reducing 

 to powder the mightiest monarchs of the forest ; 

 in purifying the air by burying all that is noxious 

 and disgusting ; and at the same time they give 

 fertility to the land, by carrying to the roots of 

 vegetation the richest of manures. As to numbers, 

 both of genera and species, they greatly surpass the 

 Cicindelidse, or even the Carabidse ; and in the 

 number of individuals of species, they appear among 

 the most prolific of insects. As examples of utility 

 of the group in warm climates, we have only to 

 mention the genera Xylotrupes, Copris, Ontho- 

 phagus, Melolontha, Euchlora, and Mimela ; while 

 in colder regions we may mention Geotrupes and 

 Aphodius. But other writers hold different views ; 

 and it may be worth while to state their opinions. 

 The following are the chief reasons assigned for 

 placing the Cicindelidse first : " There are beetles 

 of vast bulk and strength, (elephants in the class 

 of insects,) which are distinguished neither by the 

 swiftness of their motion, nor by the elegance of 

 their forms ; others there are, less clumsy indeed 

 and gigantic, but remarkable for the perfection and 

 symmetry of their structure, the lightness and velo- 



