In the early part of the winter of 1863–4, having the free use ofthe Congressional Library at Washington, I began the compilationof the present work. It was my prime intent, and one whichI have endeavored to follow most carefully, to attach some fact,whatever might be its nature, to as many Insects as possible, toincrease the interest, in a commonplace way, of the science ofEntomology. I noticed the pleasurable satisfaction I invariablyfelt when I came accidentally upon any extra-scientific fact, andhow the association fixed the particular Insect, to which it related,ineffaceably upon my memory. To collect and group, then, allthese facts together, to remember many Insects as easily as one,—wasa natural thought; and as this had never been done, but toa very limited extent, I undertook it myself.
The facts contained in this volume are supposed to be purelyhistorical, or rather not to belong to the natural history of Insects,namely, their anatomy, habits, classification, etc. They have beencollected mostly from Chronicles, Histories, Books of Travels, andsuch like works, which, at first view, seem to be totally foreign toInsects: and were only discovered by examination of the indexesand tables of contents.
But are my facts facts?—it may be asked. They are; but I donot vouch for each one’s containing more than one truth. It is afact, or truth if you will, that Pliny, Nat. Hist. xi. 34, says,“Folke use to hang Beetles about the neck of young babes, aspresent remedies against many maladies;” but that this statementis entitled to credit, and that these Insects, hung about the necksof young babes, are a present remedy against many maladies, aretwo things which may be very true or far otherwise. I confinemyself to the fact that Pliny says so, and only wish to be understoodin that sense, unless when otherwise stated.
The classification of Mr. Westwood, in the arrangement of theorders and families, I have followed as closely as was possible,except in one or two instances: and where Insects have commonand familiar names, they have been given together with theirscientific ones.
To Dr. J. M. Toner, of Washington, for his suggestions andassistance in collecting material, I tender my thanks; the samealso to N. Bushnell, Esq., and Hon. O. H. Browning, of Quincy,Ill., for the use of their several libraries.
I am much indebted, too, to Mrs. A. L. Ruter Dufour, ofWashington, for many superstitions