ADDRESS TO THE READER. 
** Some books are to be tasted—others to be swallowed—and some few 
to be chewed and digested ; that is, some Books are to be read only in 
parts—others to be read, but not curiously—and some few to be read 
wholly and with diligence and attention.”—-Lorp Bacon’s Essays. 
Anxious that the “Courtrous Reaper” should derive 
from this work all the information it is designed to impart, 
the Author presumes to offer a few words in explanation of 
the plan upon which it has been constructed, and some 
suggestions as to the best means of rendering its contents 
most. available to the varied tastes and pursuits of different 
classes of readers. 
In its arrangement, a three-fold object was had in view ; 
namely, in the first place, to present such an epitome of 
PaLZonTOLOGY, the science which treats of the fossil remains 
of the ancient inhabitants of the Globe, as shall enable the 
intelligent Observer to comprehend the nature of the principal 
discoveries in modern Geology, and the method of investiga- 
tion by which such highly interesting, and unexpected 
results, have been obtained., 
Secondly, to assist the CoLLEcToR in his search for Organic 
Remains,—directing attention to those objects which possess 
the highest interest, and are especially deserving of accurate 
examination—instructing him in the art of developing and 
