It is necessary to observe, that I have not been so prolix and explanatory in the foregoing definitions as I should be, if I intended to arrange the figures under their respective classes, or establish any system for doing so; I have explained no more _terms_ or _parts_ than what are sufficient to enable the reader (if he is not an adept) easily and clearly to understand the descriptions. It is likewise necessary to mention, that I have given English names to most of the parts, where I could do it with the necessary propriety for serving this particular purpose; and where I could not substitute an English word, that was apposite and significant, I have preserved the Latin one, as used by Linnæus and others. Thus, for instance, the term palpi I would have altered, if I could have found an English word that conveyed the same idea; but not easily finding one, I have kept to the original. I have not forgot the terms mustachios, whiskers, &c. which I might have used in its stead; but as these parts in many insects bore no analogy or resemblance thereto, it being in a great many of them like a short jointed filament or thread, I rather chose to preserve the Latin one. The same practice I have observed with the term antennæ. For though feelers is the general explanation given to this word, I could not prevail with myself to use it. The reason is, because these animals seem to have a power {xxv}of applying these parts to purposes different from that of feeling. By the antennæ they are capable of distinguishing and perceiving, as well as feeling; and I am strongly inclined to believe, it is by them the males are capable of discovering the females at a great distance. It is certain their powers of perception are very obvious and remarkable, which, by close observations, we may soon discover; and unless we allow them capable of smelling without nostrils, I do not know what parts they exercise, or by what means they so readily discover, not only their females but their respective kinds of food, the places proper for depositing their eggs, &c. The male moths appear to have this faculty of discovering their females in a greater degree than most other insects; for there are but a very few, if any, belonging to this genus, whose females pass the first night after they quit the chrysalis without coupling with the males; owing to unconquerable _desire_ in the latter, and the strong effluvia or scent emitted by the former for attracting their mates. Every adept is fully acquainted that a female moth, known by the name of the Egger (Phalæna Quercus of Linnæus), taken into the fields the first day it is hatched, will most certainly (though shut up in a box) allure all the males round the country that are within the sphere of its attraction, and even from a great distance; who will at first fly round the box with wonderful swiftness and eagerness, and afterwards settling thereon will hunt and run about it with the greatest