to be little regarded, and they are oftentimes less prized, 

 than those beyond our reach : to facilitate the endeavours 

 and assist the views of such, it has been the cnde:ivour of 

 the author to condense as much useful and practical in- 

 formation on the various subjects as -was consistent -vith 

 the proposed object, by pointing out the proper or most 

 successful modes to be pursued in attaining a knowledge 

 of the different subjects of Natural Historv', (foreign as 

 \rell as native.) and of preserving the subjects when attained; 

 and should the following pages be fouad to contain in- 

 formation useful to the practical Naturalist, or the Phi- 

 lanthropic Traveller, the object of the author, that of 

 rendering himself useful in his humble sphere will be 

 attained* 



As the object of the Naturalist is not only to gain 

 a personal knowledge of the different subjects of the 

 science, but also to gain an insight into the habits, the 

 economy, and usefulness (as applied to mankind) of the 

 Tarious species he may meet with, it may not be here in- 

 appropriately remarked, that every occurrence should be 

 noted down as soon as possible after the observation has 

 been made, as when the mind is continually on the search 

 for fresh amusement, each succeeding object chases from 

 the remembrance (at least for the time being) the oc- 

 currence which so lately excited our admiration and 

 ■wonder ; or as the poet most elegantly expresses 



" Some lovelier wonder soon usurps its place, 

 Chased by a charm still lovelier than the last." 



Nothing contributes more to ease the mind, and render 

 exen cur thoughts subserTJent. than method : it should be the 



