ADVERTISEMENT 



The study of Natural History has become so extensive as to 

 call for a great multiplication of books upon the subject. A few 

 years ago, the translation of BufFon, which appeared under the title 

 of" Goldsmith's Animated Nature," was almost the only work in 

 popular use. Even when its utter want of accuracy and adaptation 

 to the improved state of science, was generally known, it still con- 

 tinued to be reprinted, and was probably the instrument of dissenr.i- 

 nating nearly as much error as truth. 



But within a short period, several excellent works have appeared 

 in Europe, combining in a good degree, popular and pleasing 

 descriptions of animals, with scientific accuracy. In the present 

 volume, an attempt has been made to compile from these a more 

 complete and comprehensive body of popular and scientific Zoology 

 than has heretofore appeared, in any form accessible to common 

 readers. 



This work is arranged according to the classification of Stark, 

 which is based upon that of Cuvier. Although it embraces scientific 

 names and descriptions, yet these are made to occupy as little 

 compass as possible, and are placed at the foot of the pages in the 

 form of notes. The subject of Zoology is one of great utility, and 

 should be extensively read. The grand object has been to render 

 the work acceptable to general readers, by devoting a large portion 

 of it to lively and entertaining sketches of the habits and instincts 

 of animals; and a large number of books of travels, have been 

 turned over in search of their illustrative traits. 



The original compiler having made arrangements to depart f<w 

 Europe, the manuscript was submitted to the present Editor, who 

 is responsible for the accuracy of the press, for the correctness of 

 the facts selected, and for their arrangement according to the system 

 proposed. The work is now submitted to the public, and though 

 *s ?. systematic work it may not be entirely such as might be 



