PREFACE.
T hE study of Natural History affords perhaps as much
real information and entertainment to man, as are found
to result from any pursuit in which the human mind
can be employed. The knowledge of the animate and
inanimate part of the creation, including their distinct
natures, properties, and effects, and ultimately leading
to adore that Omnipotent Being who hath called them
into existence, has been thought worthy of the most
serious attention by the greatest and wisest men in all
ages, and nations.
The present Era, however, is universally acknowledged
to be the moment in which the greatest progress
has been made in this instructive and engaging study.
For these superior advantages, we are chiefly indebted
