PREFACE. 



directed his attention. He indulges the hope that he may at least have /C^^'' 

 cleared the way for others to follow, in a field where the difficulties are /'^ r""^ 

 undeniably great, but where the rewards to an earnest seeker /^)'* 



"^^^ after Nature's secret ways are abundant. They are had not only 



Creator's • • • • 



.™. , in the gratification of such pleasant toil, and in the conscious- 



ness of having added to human knowledge and enjoyment, but 

 in the higher satisfaction of having contributed somewhat to man's knowl- 

 edge of the works of his Creator. 



The author would count himself faithless to truth as well as to duty 

 were he not to add that the last named consideration has been to him a 

 continuous stimulus and support. He believes thoroughly in 

 Authors ^jj,^^ view of Divine Providence taught him by beloved parents 

 Motiv "^ ''^^ childhood which makes it to be God's "most wise and 

 powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all 

 their actions." The smallest creatures and the lowliest adventures of their 

 humble lives are within the care of the Good Father of all, the Lord of 

 spiders as well as the God of men. To bring all knowledge uncovered 

 from the secret places of the natural world, and lay it devoutly before the 

 world's Creator as a tribute of worship and a token of spiritual fellowshij:), 

 has been the chief motive which has urged the author to, has guided him 

 through, and sustained him in, this work of twenty years, now happily 

 ended. 



H. C. McC. 



The Manse, 

 Philadelphia, July 3d, A. D. 1894. 



