PREFACE. 



In presenting this work to Entomologists, I do it with the 

 fullest confidence of its being well worthy their acceptance. 

 The deficiency of a similar undertaking has long been felt, 

 and this can be fully appreciated when we reflect how very 

 inadequate descriptive language is to convey a clear and 

 distinct notion of the ever-varying modifications of form 

 observable in the insect world. Considering its scope and 

 object, this work, as one of illustrations in this science, 

 and containing 638 figures, is certainly the most complete 

 that has yet issued from the press ; and in artistical exe- 

 cution I will affirm — and which I, sharing in no portion 

 of that merit, may do without egotism — that there is none 

 yet published that surpasses it; and for delicacy of out- 

 line it is unrivalled. It is very superior in execution to 

 Panzer and Olivier, whose plans were too vast to admit 

 of completion : and although it wants colour to vie with 

 the best, yet in careful accuracy I am convinced it is not 

 by that even surpassed. It has the advantage of being 

 done throughout from the originals, which, as many of 

 the genera figured are unique, could of course only be 

 accomplished by the kindness of the several Entomologists 

 in whose possession those unique and rare insects existed ; 

 or who, with genuine scientific liberality, furnished me for 

 my own collection with the means of supplying deficient 

 forms. To Messrs. Bennet, Desvignes, Hope, Little, Mat- 

 thews, Newman, Rudd, Stephens, Walton and Waterhouse, 



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