x PREFACE. 
should prove popular, to them much of the meed of praise 
is due. J have written chiefly for the young; and while I 
have wished to smooth for them the entrance into this de- 
lightful field of Natural Science, I have sought to give a 
good moral tone to the book, that they may look “ through 
Nature up to Nature’s God,” remembering that the God 
of Nature is also the God of Grace. He has given us the 
“ book of books” to make us wise unto salvation; but He 
has given us also the book of Nature, making it accessible 
to all; and in many a delightful page of it does He plainly 
say, “Come, see the works of my hand, so full of wonders, 
and so well-fitted to show forth my praise.” 
‘* Every leaf in every nook, 
Every wave in every brook, 
Every Polype from its cell 
In sea-rock pool or crystal well, 
Chanting with a solemn voice, 
Minds us of our better choice.” 
KEBLE. 
Gibraltar, June 22, 1852. 
