PREFACE. 



THOUGH the majority of mankind are firmly convinced 

 that " The proper study of mankind is man," yet they 

 are also generally disposed to admit that some devia- 

 tion from the various beaten tracks of existence is 

 advantageous. Not very long ago one of the most 

 accomplished of our medical men, Sir James Paget, in 

 opening a session of the Working Men's College, 

 delivered an address on " Eecreation." In eloquent 

 words he declared this to be an absolute necessity for 

 our system, and he laid stress on the great value, in 

 this capacity, of hunting fishing, shooting, and even 

 of games of chance. 



There is probably no change more recreative to the 

 mind and body, fatigued by long continuance of daily 

 routine, than natural history. In its pursuit, physical 

 exertion in the fresh air vies with change of mental 

 pabulum, and the wonderful variety of inexhaustible 

 nature brings to the mind a feeling compounded 

 of astonishment and satisfaction that is highly 

 recreative. 



