3 PREFACE. =e 
Of the ten plates, which have been carefully executed by Mr. 
Wing, eight illustrate the generic characters, one the various forms 
of the larvae, and one the perfect insects of several of the most 
important genera (especially representing those which have any 
peculiarity in their posture when in repose). 
Tt will be found by those who study this volume, that, even 
with the help of the descriptions and the plates, it will be a matter 
of considerable difficulty to name with certainty many species ; 
those who do not associate with other entomologists are not aware 
to how great an extent the comparison of specimens with named 
collections is carried. ‘To all who meet with any difficulties of 
this nature I offer my services; and if they apply to me by letter 
or personally, their wants shall be immediately attended to. In 
order to be readily accessible without any previous appointment, 
T have followed the example of the late Mr. Stephens, and “my 
collections are thrown open for inspection, etc., every Wednesday 
evening, to any gentleman, upon the presentation of his card.” 
In concluding the labour of my leisure hours of three succes- 
sive winters, I have to express my sincere thanks to all those who 
have assisted me, either by the loan of specimens (frequently 
unique), by the communication of original observations, or in the 
more laborious operations of denuding wings, preliminarily inves- 
tigating genera, or reviewing the descriptions of species : assistance 
on all these points has been so freely given, that I have felt my 
position more that of an Hditor, taking advantage of the labours 
of others, than that of an Author; yet, at the same time, for all 
the errors and imperfections of this book I am solely responsible. 
H. 'T, Srarton. 
Mountsfield, Lewisham, July 1st, 1854. 
