INTRODUCTIOK 



It was announced in the first part of this Catalogue that the 

 introduction proper would not be given until the completion of 

 the work. It was not then thought that it would extend to 

 more than one volume. As it has been decided to issue it ia 

 two volumes, it appears desirable that certain preliminary- 

 observations be made now. 



It is quite unnecessary to enlarge upon the value of Local 

 Catalogues to the members of this Society, whose transactions 

 already include many important lists of the fauna of Northum- 

 berland and Durham, and which contain the first instalment of 

 a Catalogue of Local Lepidoptera. This was published as far 

 back as 1867, and was from the pen of the late George Wailes. 

 The portion then issued contains only the Butterflies and 

 Sphinges, but it is well done, and is so superior in style to 

 any similar catalogue I have seen, that I have taken it as my 

 model, and have endeavoured, with, I fear, very defective 

 information, to imitate it in the few notes I have added on the 

 habits, &c., of the various species. "Why the work, so ably 

 begun, was carried no further, I have no knowledge, but it is 

 certainly a matter for regret that no more was published. Mr. 

 Wailes had exceptional advantages for the preparation of such 

 a catalogue. He was one of that band of hard-working 

 entomologists, who made the North of England famous among 

 lepidopterists, in the first half of last century. Prior to their 

 investigations it was almost an unknown land. Wailes 

 collected and corresponded with Curtis, Dale, Hewitson, Selby, 

 Stephens, and many others — pioneers in entomological work. 

 Later he corresponded with Stain ton, and supplied the New- 

 castle C' Ne ") references to the second volume of the ''Manual." 

 It is a striking proof of the fulness of his knowledge of the 



