PREFACE. 
The object of this Work is to facilitate the study of Lepidoptera Meterocera by 
giving illustrations, accompanied 1)y short diagnoses, of tJie typical specimens 
in the British Museum from which species have been described in other works 
or are described now for the first time. A strictly systematic arrangement of 
the species illustrated can be followed only within the limits of the several 
parts of the work. 
The first thirteen plates of this part were executed and printed many years 
ago, to illustrate a catalogue of a much wider scope than that of the present 
Avork, which will account for discrepancies between names used in the plates 
and those adopted in the text, the nomenclature having in many instances been 
changed since that time. This could not be altered ; l)ut no inconvenience will 
be caused thereby, as in every instance an explanation is given, not only in the 
synonymy, but also in the index. 
The descriptions of this first part have been prepared by Mr. A. G. Butler, 
P.L.S., one of the Senior Assistants in the Department of Zoology. 
ALBEBT GUNTHER, 
Keeper of the Department of Zoology. 
British Museum, February 16, 1877. 
