PREFACE. 



NATURAL HISTORY, considered in its utmost ex- 

 tent, comprehends two objects. First, that of dis- 

 covering, ascertaining, and naming all the various 

 productions of nature. Secondly, that of describ- 

 ing the properties, manners, and relations, which 

 they bear to us, and to each other. The first, 

 which is the most difficult part of this science, is 

 systematical, dry, mechanical, and incomplete. 

 The second is more amusing, exhibits new pic- 

 tures to the imagination, and improves our relish 

 for existence, by widening the prospect of nature 

 around us. 



Both, however, are necessary to those who 

 would understand this pleasing science in its ut- 

 most extent. The first care of every inquirer, no 

 doubt, should be, to see, to visit, and examine 

 every object, before he pretends to inspect its ha- 

 bitudes or its history. From seeing and observing 

 the thing itself, he is most naturally led to spe- 

 culate upon its uses, its delights, or its inconve- 

 niencies. 



Numberless obstructions, however, are found 

 in this part of his pursuit, that frustrate his dili- 

 gence and retard his curiosity. The objects in 

 nature are so many, and even those of the same 



