IXTBODUCTION. 



THE British Islands, situated on the western coast 

 of the European Continent, and enjoying a mode- 

 rate temperature, are characterized by a vegetation 

 of remarkable verdure and considerable luxuriance. 

 Presenting- every variety of surface, from the ex- 

 tended plain scarcely raised above the level of the 

 sea, to the craggy mountain whose summit almost 

 enters the region of perpetual congelation, and a 

 g'reat diversity of soil, from the sterile sand of the 

 shores, or the spongy peat of the moors, to the 

 richest loams of the most fertile valleys, they afford 

 to quadrupeds and birds a diversity of food suited 

 to their several natures, and, notwithstanding their 

 isolated position, and the injurious interference of 

 man, harbour a greater number of species than any 

 tract of equal extent in corresponding continental 

 latitudes. In a densely peopled country so cir- 

 cumscribed, the larger ferocious animals could not 

 always maintain their footing ; and thus, the Bear 

 and the Wolf, which formerly found shelter in our 

 forests, have long been extirpated. The Urus and 

 the Wild Hog, useful as affording an occasional 

 supply of food, have also disappeared, as has the 

 Beaver, whose habits rendered it an easy prey. 

 The Red Deer, the largest of our strictly terres- 



