PREFACE. 
HERE are few recreative pleasures to which 
the minds of children can be turned with more 
real advantage, than to the close observance 
of the beauties of the creation. We are every- 
where surrounded by objects of deep interest, 
which attract but little attention because their 
appearance is so familiar. But it certainly is 
an evidence that we do not sufficiently appre- 
ciate the blessings which our Heavenly Father 
has conferred upon us, when we look with in- 
difference upon the beautiful adornments of 
that world which his own hand hath created, 
and whose every charm he hath so evidently 
designed for our enjoyment. 
How elevating are the thoughts which are 
begotten by the contemplation of these objects! 
Lt (v) 
