PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 
9 
the poverty of our language in vernacular terms to express 
them distinctively; for even the name of “ wild bees,” 
in as far as it has been applied to any except the “ honey 
bee ” in a wildered state, is a usage of modern introduc¬ 
tion, and of date subsequent to their examination and 
appreciation. Our native tongue, in the words “bee,” 
“ wasp,” “ fly,” and “ ant,” compasses all those thou¬ 
sands of different winged and unwinged insects, which 
modern science comprises in the two very extensive 
Orders in entomology of the Hymenoptera and the Di- 
ptera; —thus exhibiting how very poor common language 
is in words to note distinctive differences in creatures, 
even where the differences are so marked, and the habits 
so dissimilar, as in the several groups constituting these 
Orders. But progressively extending knowledge, and a 
more familiar intimacy with insects and their habits, 
will doubtless, in the course of time, supervene, as old 
aversions, prejudices, and superstitions wear out, when 
by the light of instruction we shall gradually arouse to 
perceive that “His breath has passed that way too;” 
and that, therefore, they all put forth strong claims to 
the notice and admiration of man. 
It is highly improbable that ordinary language will 
ever find distinctive names to indicate yenera , and far 
less species: and although we have some few words 
which combine large groups, such as “ gnats,” “ flesh- 
flies,” “ gad-flies,” “ gall-flies,” “ dragon-flies,” “ sand 
wasps,” “ humble bees,” etc. etc.; and, although the 
small group, it is my purpose in the following pages to 
show in all their attractive peculiarities, has had several 
vernacular denominations applied to them to indicate 
their most distinctive characteristics, such as “cuckoo 
bees,” “carpenter bees,” “mason bees,” “carding bees,” 
