PREFACE.
1
I n presenting a new edition of the Epitome of the Insects of China to the
entomological public, I have endeavoured to bring it down to the present state
of the science. The former edition, like all the writings of Donovan, was
arranged in accordance with the system of Linnæus, and bore the date of 1798.
A t that period the science of Entomology was in its infancy ; but in the
subsequent forty years the progress which has been made, has indeed been
rapid. I have endeavoured to render the specific characters more precise, the
nomenclature more correct (giving the priority to the oldest specific name),
and the synonyms more numerous. The localities in many instances were
incorrectly given in the former edition ; and I have addetl many additional
observations, either incorporated in the text or given as foot notes, omitting
nothing which appeared in the former at all likely to instruct or interest the
reader. Alphabetical and systematic indices have also been introduced. I
dare not hope that this edition is faultless : I have endeavoured to render tlie
beautiful figures of Donovan as serviceable as possible, and must trust to the
indulgence of the more skilful specific entomologist. One circumstance may
be mentioned which will, at all events, be deemed an improvement, namely,
the introduction of numbers both for the plates and for the several figures on
each plate. Those who have consulted synonymical authorities in Entomology
are aware of the trouble and confusion which have originated in the want oi a
A