PREFACE. 



THE present volume of THE REASON WHY is calculated to give 

 not merely an increased interest, but a new application, to the 

 science of Natural History. The old system of study compre- 

 hended merely a description of the external form, geographical 

 habitation, and distinguishing habits, of individual species. The 

 interest of the subject mainly rested upon anecdotes of animal 

 sagacity or ferocity, and the perils of adventure into the wilds of 

 nature. Few writers had ventured to inquire into reasons for the 

 peculiarities of animal forms, or to seek Creative Design in their 

 wonderful diversity, and mutual relations. 



In order to bring together the large number of reasons now 

 presented to the reader, the Author has had to wade through 

 numerous volumes, in many cases with a barren result. The 

 works that have been found productive are enumerated in the 

 accompanying Jist of authorities. Among those therein-mentioned, 

 PALEY'S NATURAL THEOLOGY, DERHAM'S PHYSICO-THEOLOGY, and 

 PARTINGTOX'S CYCLOPAEDIA, merit the most marked and grateful 

 acknowledgment. 



It must not, however, be supposed that The Reason Why of 

 Natural History is a mere compilation. The Author has from 

 boyhood been a close observer of the habits of animals, and both 

 upon sea and land he has delighted to endeavour to interpret 

 Nature's works. Hence the conception of the plan of this volume, 

 and the diversity perhaps boldness of the questions asked. 



The Author begs it to be understood that the limits of this 

 volume, and the abundant matter supplied by the higher 

 orders of animal life, left no space for the interesting facts of 

 Entomology. It is probable that at some future time a volume 

 may be added to the Reason Why Series, in which that branch 

 of Natural History will be fully treated. The Author cannot 

 do better than conclude this brief introduction by quoting 

 from the British Quarterly Review some admirable sentiments 

 perfectly relevant to the contents of ihe volume, and, indeed, 

 to the REASON WHY Series : 



