PREFACE. vii 



with presenting, the latter with having them presented,, under 

 some certain form, but to both, when once endeared by 

 awakened interest, they are ever present, and for ever assuming 

 new aspects to engage thought and kindle affection adoration. 

 Completed works on natural subjects ? There are no such 

 things ! The most scientific of them is but the commence- 

 ment of " a story without an end ;" the least so (this among 

 them) is but an invocation to begin and read it ! 



