P E E F A E. 



The age in which we live necessitates brevity, and 

 average readers have not time for the perusal of volu- 

 minous biographies. It appeared to the author that 

 there was a need of short yet comprehensive sketches of 

 some leading naturalists, and he has attempted to supply 

 that want. His desire has been throughout to stimulate 

 a desire, particularly in the minds of the young, for 

 Natural Science. Elementary lessons in Botany, Greology, 

 and other subjects of a similar nature are now given in 

 many Board and voluntary schools, and the author 

 will be glad if this little book reaches the hands of 

 some of these young students. He has endeavoured to 

 interest the reader in the lives of a few of the men of 

 light and leading in the study of nature. 



London, January, 1886. 



