IV PREFACE. 



with illustrative anecdote. In most, if not all cases, the reader will, from 

 the statements made, be able to form some correct and consistent ideas as 

 to the genera and species noticed. When more full discriminations are de 

 sired, reference can be had to other and larger works. 



The medium character of this volume, and its relation to the extremely 

 wide range of topics presented on the Chart, have increased the difficulty 

 of preparing it within limits so restricted. To have furnished an amusing 

 work composed chiefly or entirely of anecdotes or kindred material, would 

 have been, comparatively, an easy task. In its present form, this work will 

 perhaps not be unacceptable to such as are already somewhat acquainted 

 with Natural History in its scientific aspects and relations ; while others, 

 the young especially, may, from the use of this volume, pass, by an easy 

 transition, to the study of larger works and those more purely scientific. 

 To TEACHERS in particular, is this volume respectfully commended. Ques 

 tions are added to each section with special reference to its use in Acade 

 mies and Common Schools. 



It is proper to remark that this work is not published as containing the 

 results of original observation, excepting to a limited extent : mainly it em 

 bodies materials newly moulded and arranged, but derived from approved 

 standards, and some of the latest issues relating to the subjects of which 

 it treats. The range of reference and comparison has been extensive ; 

 the results of protracted investigation are sometimes condensed into a 

 single brief paragraph or sentence. This work will be found orderly and 

 harmonious in several respects in which some other publications betray 

 confusion and inconsistency ; in the explanation of scientific terms, also, it 

 is unusually full. Neither on the Chart, nor in this volume has the aim 

 been to give all the different names which may have been applied by nat 

 uralists to a particular object ; for this there was not room ; and besides, 

 in the case of some, such a course might have tended to confuse rather 

 than really enlighten. Many of the pictorial illustrations are original, and 

 with the accompanying explanations, will be found to add much to the in 

 terest and intrinsic value of the work. 



It is confidently trusted that the CHART, with this explanatory vol 

 ume, will be welcomed in Seminaries generally ; and be accepted as valu 

 able auxiliaries by all lovers of physical science. May they tend to 

 create and foster widely a taste for the study of nature ; and by the 

 developments which they make, and the researches and meditations to 

 which they lead, awaken loftier and more worthy thoughts of the Infi 

 nite Creator. M. 



SYRACUSE, March 1, 1858. 



