INTRODUCTION. 



As this little book is intended to be no more 

 than an introduction to an agreeable branch ot* 

 niicroscopicsd study, it is to be hoped it will not 

 require a formal preface; but a few words may 

 be convenient to indicate its scope and purpose. 



The common experience of all microscopists con- 

 firms the assertion made by Dr. Goring, that the 

 most fascinating objects are living creatures of 

 sufficient dimensions to be easily understood with 

 moderate magnification ; and in no way can objects 

 of this description be so readily obtained, as l)y 

 devoting an occasional hour to the examination 

 of the little ponds Avhich are accessible from 

 almost any situation. A complete volume of pond 

 lore would not only be a bulky book — much bigger 

 than the alderman ic tomes which it is the fashion 

 to call "Manuals," although the great stone lists 

 in the British Museum would be required to 

 grasp them comfortably, — but its composition would 

 overtask all the philosophers of our day. In good 

 truth, a tea-spoonful of water from a prolific 



