6 
awfully struck with the wonderful power and infinite wisdom of our 
great Creator; but those who trace the chain of animal existence 
link by link find the same harmony and beauty of construction in the 
lowest orders of fossil beings: so im like manner, rising step by step, 
we arrive through the higher orders of creation up to Man himself, 
who is endowed not only with the most complete organization, but 
has reason to direct his steps, if rightly used, to happiness. 
Several English and foreign names of the highest reputation, and 
deserving our best thanks, must be omitted in a work of -this local 
character. In Sussex Dr. Mantell has been most conspicuous in the 
advancement of geological knowledge, and as the historian of the 
Wealden formation and discoverer of the Iguanodon, his name is 
placed amongst the first geologists of any age or country. We have 
also my friend Mr. Martin, who has written a valuable memoir on 
part of Western Sussex, and who first applied the term Wealden to 
designate that peculiar freshwater formation. 
I am under great obligations to my friend Professor Owen for 
his advice and most valuable assistance during the progress of the 
work. 
I cannot conclude this brief introduction without adding a few 
words with the warmest feeling in recommendation of Natural 
History in its extensive sphere, assuring those who will make it their 
study, that they will have a perpetual source of delight, subject to no 
worldly change, a solace in affliction, and strengthening in every 
advance their knowledge of the greatness and goodness of God. 
““O let your songs be of Him, and praise Him, and let your talking 
be of all His wondrous works.”—Psalm cv. 
