PREFACE. V 



representations of natural objects with which they are acquainted, 

 and especially when they find their name and use explained at the 

 same time. 



3rd. This education can only produce good results if all the 

 ideas instilled into the child's mind are rigorously exact. 



This work has been arranged in diagrams, composed either of 

 natural objects, whenever this was possible, or of good coloured 

 figures, representing with the greatest accuracy the types which 

 we wished to illustrate, of their natural size ; and we have always 

 given the preference to those objects which come most frequently 

 under the notice of children. 



In the twenty diagrams which compose this work, we have at- 

 tempted to illustrate all branches of natural history, by teaching 

 children the most indispensable elements, or those which were 

 most suitable to excite their curiosity, and to lead them to the 

 desire of knowledge, from the special interest that they possess. 



That the study of these diagrams should be really instructive, 

 some explanations besides the objects or figures were necessary ; 

 and we have supplied them as briefly and concisely as possible, and 

 arranged in such a manner as to attract all possible attention. 



To render the work complete, we have been requested to add a 

 Manual. By means of brief, clear, and scrupulously exact 

 definitions, we illustrate those points where it was necessary, and 

 we give particulars which could not be introduced into the diagrams. 

 This book is not intended for the use of the master only, but the 

 pupils also will be able to read it with pleasure and profit. 



While always insisting on the practical side of this instruction, 

 which is not only the indispensable introduction to the elements of 

 agriculture and horticulture taught in the universities, but also 

 the basis of all practical or technical instruction on general science, 

 we have not neglected the purely scientific side, because system 

 and classification are a great assistance to children in arranging 

 what they are taught into an orderly series of ideas ; but we have 

 explained it in the most simple manner, so that it may be easily 

 understood. 



