Introductory Remarks. 7 



luxuriance, be not better than desultory efforts diffused over 

 an extensive and deteriorating surface. Such considera- 

 tions are equally applicable to the farm, the vineyard, and 

 the garden ; in respect to all of which there appear to be 

 practices existing, of which it would be interesting to 

 know the reason, if any reason exist except traditionary 

 prejudice. It would be well to know what were the forests 

 which seem to have long ago covered extensive districts ; 

 to inquire whether it be no more than time to stop, in the 

 demolition of the fragments which are rapidly disappear- 

 ing, or to take measures for clothing again, the wilds of 

 monotonous barrenness which spread around us. 



But we shall find attractive and profitable information, 

 not only in attending to the things which men have used or 

 improved, but also to those which have been hitherto 

 scarcely subjected to their power, or are utterly beyond its 

 reach. There are every where such things to be studied, 

 of which many materially affect our well-being. The 

 kingdoms of nature as they are termed, animated and inani- 

 mate, abound with them. The races of animals which 

 are extending for our comfort, or vanishing before our 

 power, or those others which seek their transitory enjoy- 

 ments in the air, ocean, or wilderness beyond our reach, 

 do or may in some respect exert an influence upon our 

 peace, prospects, or pursuits. The energies of many yet 

 unsubdued, may be rendered subservient to our purposes, 

 or' the ravages of the annoying or destructive may be pre- 

 vented. In fact, there are few of such annoyances which 

 the attention and skill of more practised generations, may 

 not alleviate or utterly extinguish. There is no reason why 

 we should not anticipate the same fate to the Locust, or the 

 rust, or to the numerous maladies of domestic animals, 

 as has already overtaken the Lion, the Elephant, and the 

 Small-pox. But the history and habits of different objects 

 must first be ascertained with greater accuracy. In this 

 country the more conspicuous alone have been adequately 

 attended to, and detailed information respecting even these, 

 is somewhat difficult to be attained: hence arises the 

 necessity of condensing such as we want, from the many 

 and little accessible books in which it is contained : hence 

 is obvious also, the advantage of collecting and exhibiting 

 the objects themselves, and the regret which every one 

 must feel when he reflects on the many precious opportuni- 

 ties which have escaped us.* 



* We cannot help here alluding particularly to a superb specimen of * 

 'k of a new genus, which might have been secured lor our use about IS 



