Sntafrurttmi* 



myself acquainted with many interesting facts now for the first time recorded in a 

 popular digest of Animated Nature. It will also be ipparent that I have not 

 hesitated to make copious extracts from the recent Publications of various living 

 writers who have displayed the wonders of Animated Nature under new aspects, and 

 with increased force, originality, and beauty. In this, I have most scrupulously ac- 

 i knowledged the sources whence my pages have been enriched ; and to the many 

 j scientific men and pleasing writers to whom I am thus indebted I beg to return my 

 warmest acknowledgments. The names of Owen, Gray, Bell, Yarrell, Dr. G. 

 Johnston, Broderip, Sowerby, Forbes, of Gould, Darwin, Gosse, Hewitson, Knapp, 

 and Waterton of Kirby, Spence, Dr. Harris of Harvard College, Newman, and 

 Westwood, are foremost among the many to whom these remarks apply. 



It would be easy to extend my Introductory Remarks to a considerable length by 

 dilating on the uses and advantages to be derived from an acquaintance with Natural 

 History ; nor would it be difficult to show how much that is bright and beautiful in 

 Nature is for ever lost to him who has never become conversant with the study. But 

 my inclination is to avoid what some ill-natured critics might term twaddle, and my 

 limits forbid me to descant on a theme which others (who are far better qualified 

 than I can ever possibly become) have treated with all the ardent enthusiasm that is 

 inherent in the breast of every true votary of Nature. The subject, indeed, presents 

 a wide field for the employment of the mental faculties ; and I confess it is difficult 

 to repress some of the thoughts that arise from its contemplation. No part can be 

 viewed as unimportant or uninteresting none that is unworthy of the most attentive 

 consideration, or that can fail to impress the mind with feelings of profound admira- 

 tion for the works of NATCRE. Marvellous, indeed, as they are all, the most 

 astounding manifestations of Supreme Intelligence are unquestionably displayed 

 in his character as " LORD AND GIVER OF LIFE," as the Creator and Preserver 

 of all that " live, move, and have their being." It is therefore that portion of the 

 "wondrous whole" which we term The ANIMAL KINGDOM that demands our 

 especial regard, and is in the highest degree calculated to gratify a laudable curiosity, 

 as well as to reward the labours of the most diligent research. 



The Zoological descriptions are followed by a Syllabus of PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY, j 

 This has been kindly furnished by Mr. A. Hepburn of Whittingham, an enthusiast 

 in the pursuit of Natural History ; and, besides having the merit of being truly 

 practical, his directions to the Amateur Collector have been framed with more \ 

 than ordinary attention to economy. It might have succeeded as a separate publi- j 

 cation; but the attractive nature of this volume, I trust, is likely to make it very 

 extensively known. 



The GLOSSARIAL APPENDIX has been added to the other contents of the Volume 

 in the belief that such a Collection of Terms was much wanted by the Tyro in i 

 Zoology, and that careful definitions of many words which frequently occur in the 

 works of Naturalists would be esteemed as real desiderata. 



As to the manner in which this Work has been embellished, I can speak with 

 perfect satisfaction. About Nine Hundred accurate Woodcuts have been given ; and 

 in order that this highly important part of the Work should not be treated slightly 

 or erroneously, I obtained the valuable assistance of Mr. Adam "White, of the British 

 Museum, a gentleman who to the enthusiasm belonging to the true Naturalist 

 unites a sober judgment and great experience. To him was accordingly entrusted 

 the selection of all the subjects, and under his superintendence every drawing has 

 been made by competent artists. And here let me add that I have availed myself 

 of Mr. White's acknowledged Zoological attainments, and improved my book by 

 adopting many valuable hints and suggestions with which he has from time to time 



