PREFACE. ix 



formed and well-exercised body, though the har- 

 mony of the former may not be so easily discerned 

 as that of the latter. 



As years advance, the study of Natural His- 

 tory may be confined to those who manifest a 

 peculiar taste for it, or who exhibit little dispo- 

 sition for classical pursuits. For, as every age 

 has its intellectual claims, so also has every 

 grade of talent. The schools of the highest re- 

 putation have generally been conducted too ex- 

 clusively to the advantage of the superior class of 

 minds. The fine porcelain has been beautifully 

 moulded and delicately pencilled, but the coarser 

 clay has been almost entirely neglected. Yet 

 many a young man who will never shine in the 

 Senate House or the Schools, may yet pursue 

 Natural History with success, and find in such 

 pursuits improvement for his mind, a refuge from 

 ennui, and a substitute for sensual pleasures. 

 There is much truth as well as benevolence in a 

 remark, I once heard from an amiable coadjutor 

 of Pestalozzi ; " Tout terrain est bon si Ton sait 

 le cultiver." 



Much of the instruction thus communicated, 

 will doubtless fade from the mind ; but not with 

 it will pass away all the benefits arising from 

 these studies. In after years they may be recom- 

 menced with greater facility, in consequence of 



