2 



It will be sufficient for our present purpose, to gire a 

 brief outline of this extensive field, just sufficient indications 

 by which the observing mind may be led to contemplate' 

 and investigate the particular subjects in detail; and whilst 

 we slightly glance at the various objects composing thii 

 vast science, it will be, not only to shew the paths already 

 trodden, but to point out, where fresh scenes are likely 

 to open to the view of the practical Naturalist, and which 

 will in all probability amply repay him for investigating. 



A continued series of causes and effects will appear to 

 the observer, in every branch and family of organized 

 beings, such an existing connection between the different 

 parts of this vast machine, that we may reasonably con- 

 clude, that Nature's works are each rendered subservient to 

 the general good and prosperity of the whole. 



Natural History has been divided into three grand oiP 

 primary kingdoms, the Animal, the Vegetable, and th« 

 Mineral ; these are again subdivided, the first into six 

 Classes; Mammalia, or Animals that give suck ; Aves, or 

 Birds ; Amphibia, or Reptiles ; Pisces, or Fishes ; 

 Insecta, or Insects ; Vermes, or Worms. Each of ths 

 classes is again seperated into orders, and these orders 

 into genera or particular families. The other kingdoms 

 have been divided in a similar way, as will be seea 

 under their respective heads. 



To render this little volume generally useful, th« 

 author has prefixed to the several divisions the essential 

 characters of each particular order, and likewise the generic 

 charaeters of the different families, from Pr. Tur ton's 



