PREFACE. 
——_——_——. 
In publishing this little book, containing the first 
account ever submitted to the public of the Natural 
History of the Bermudas, the author trusts that its 
numerous and necessary imperfections will meet 
with the lenient consideration of his readers, and 
more particularly of learned naturalists, who are 
requested to regard this first effort as a small and 
humble contribution to the present state of natural 
knowledge, and as a prelude to a more complete 
publication on the same subject. 
The author has to return his thanks to many 
kind friends for their generous endeavours to aid 
the progress of the work; more especially to 
Major WEDDERBURN and Mr. Hurpis, who laid 
their notes and observations, made during many 
years residence on the Islands, entirely at his dis- 
posal, and have otherwise greatly assisted in the 
formation of the volume. 
The author has also to express his acknowledge- 
ments—to Colonel Netson, of the Royal Engineers, 
for the information contained in the Geological 
paper; to Jon H. Trort, Esq., Provost Marshalli- 
