Page:Jardine Naturalist's Library Exotic Moths.djvu/73

Rh most interesting feature consists of the representations of a great number of the caterpillars of exotic species, most of which had been figured by Cramer in the perfect state. These caterpillars are extremely well engraved and coloured, and afford singular examples of the variety and strange configuration of parts and appendages to be found in this department. Their accuracy may be depended on, as they were drawn from life by a skilful artist, and were traced through their various metamorphoses in their native country. The greater number of them are from Surinam. Six years subsequently to the date of the voluminous work of Cramer, another appeared in this country, devoted to the rare Lepidoptera of Georgia, by John Abbot and Sir J. Edward Smith. Of this magnificent publication it is not easy to speak in terms of too high commendation. The drawings were made by Abbot, who was a first-rate entomological draftsman; Sir J. E. Smith superintended the arrangement, and John Harris engraved the plates: such co-operation could scarcely fail to produce valuable results. Abbot was sent to America for the express purpose of examining and collecting its insect productions, his expenses being in part defrayed by a few naturalists in this country, who looked for remuneration in the remittance of specimens and the general advancement of the science to which they were attached. In prosecution of this object he traversed many parts of the United States, and ultimately settled in Georgia, whence he