vi DEDICATORY EPISTLE. 



clearness and simplicity ; and as metaphors, except in rare in- 

 stances, tend to obscurity, I have not sought for them as em- 

 bellishments. Though a certain vagueness of description is 

 often favorable to our purpose if we would only excite sen- 

 sations, precision is the first point to be attained when we 

 would convey to the reader's mind a philosophic truth. I 

 have not studied to express my thoughts by any peculiarity 

 of language, but by the use of simple and common terms to 

 render them lucid and interesting. 



In you, my dear sir, I have in the autumn of my life met 

 with a friend from whom I have learned to view nature in a 

 new variety of aspects ; to you I would respectfully dedicate 

 this volume, and take this opportunity to acknowledge the 

 pleasure I have derived from your friendship, and to assure 

 you how much I feel honored by it. 



WILSON FLAGG. 



