VI 
Introduction, 
through rough usage in the post. Unfortunately a valuable 
collection of South American species, belonging to Dr. Lutz, was 
completely destroyed in the latter way. 
In the investigation of the numerous species sent I have been 
considerably hampered by the absence of spirit specimens. In 
all cases, as far as possible, specimens of each species, preserved 
in spirit and numbered with similar numerals to the mounted 
ones, should be sent. It is very difficult to make preparations 
of the ungues, head, &c., from dried insects, and the former are 
most important in regard to specific distinctions. Specimens are 
best despatched in tubes, in forty per cent, alcohol, great care 
being taken that the numbers correspond with the mounted 
insects. The same applies to the larvae and pupae, scarcely any 
of which have been received from abroad. 
In the description of the wings I have adopted the termi¬ 
nology used by Skuse in his £ Monograph of the Culicidae of 
New South Wales,’ which is far the simplest, and serves for 
the purposes of identification perfectly. 
Besides the numerous collections sent to the British Museum 
I have been fortunate in examining the Culicidae in Bigot’s 
collection (many being, I believe, Macquart’s specimens), to which 
Mr. Yerrall gave me free access. ITe also allowed me to remove 
specimens for more leisurely examination, a privilege for which 
I desire to express my thanks. 
Professor Poulton, of Oxford, who has specimens and old types 
of much interest in his care as Hope Professor, kindly entrusted 
these to me for study. 
From South America Dr. Lutz has sent me the whole of his 
collection, and many valuable critical notes regarding them. 
Although one lot was destroyed in transit, the collection has 
proved of great help to me. 
Amongst other collections placed at my disposal are those of 
Lieut.-Col. Giles, I.M.S., with his types of new species from 
India; collections formed by Captain Cornwall and Captain 
James, I.M.S., also from India; a large unmounted collection 
from Siam, by Dr. Sharp (only partly examined); a collection 
from Senegambia, of Dr. Burdetts; one from Hong Kong, by 
Dr. Rees, containing several types; a large collection, containing 
many new species, from Old Calabar and other parts of Africa, 
collected by Dr. Annett; a small collection from New South 
Wales, sent me by Mr. Froggatt; various North American 
species, and notes on them, from Professor Howard (in addition 
