vi PREFACE 



study a few things carefully rather than many in haste. To 

 observe live insects under natural conditions is infinitely more 

 profitable to the economic entomologist than to make a 

 collection. Such advice as this conflicts, I am afraid, with 

 some almost universal propensities of human nature, and it 

 would be too much to expect that it will be followed except 

 by the few. After long experience, I think I can promise 

 those few a reward for their trouble. 



I am persuaded that in all branches of natural history too 

 much is made of learned language, and I have used plain 

 English as far as possible : I am not at all convinced that it 

 is less precise than Latin or Greek. 



The order of the lessons indicates the general course of 

 study which is recommended. First, the student is put 

 through a short course of work calculated to give him a use- 

 ful acquaintance with insect structure, and some knowledge 

 of technical processes. In Part II. a number of insects are 

 brought before him for detailed examination. A selection 

 from these types, most of which are of considerable practical 

 importance, will serve as a convenient introduction to the 

 study of life-histories. The order in which they are here 

 presented roughly corresponds to the order of difficulty, 

 the easier types coming first. Part III. pre-supposes a know- 

 ledge of the earlier parts, and is intended to prepare the way 

 for systematic study, as well as to give short notices of a 

 number of insects which are likely to attract the student's 

 attention, but which time and space do not allow him to 

 consider in detail. This part of the book is rather to be 

 referred to on occasion than to be read continuously. 



The publishers acknowledge with thanks the loan of figs. 23, 

 24, 66, 67, 68, 90, 91, and 92 from Miall's "Natural History 

 of Aquatic Insects" (Macmillan & Co.); and of figs. 44-47 

 from Miall's "Round the Year" (Macmillan & Co.). 



L. C. M. 



