PR E FA G E 



TQ THE 



SECOND VOLUME. 



NATURAL Hiftory is a fubje61: very extenlive in itfelf, 

 and which has been treated by many writers in a 

 manner fo voluminous, that its information is now rather a 

 Itudy than an accomphlhment, and much beyond the re- 

 tention of the memory. In facl, on fome articles it offers 

 much that fcarce deferves retention, while its accounts of 

 others are very limited. 



This divifion of our work is an attempt to prefent a ge- 

 neral view of the fubjecl:, as little encumbered by foreign 

 matter, or by idle tales, as podible : oflFering the chief fpe« 

 cimens of each kind, and enabling the reader to acquire a 

 knowledge of mod particulars which are interefling. It 

 was necefTary in this intent to avoid the fhackles of fyflem^ 

 yet, firmly adhering to order, to group what feemed allied, 

 and to (late thofe apparent relations which indicate iimila- 

 rity, to avoid repetition and redundance, to affift the me- 

 mory by concifenefs, perfpicuit*)', and relevancy. 



Want of fubjecl has been no difficulty, but to determine 

 on a judicious felection, and to regulate their introdudtion, 



Vol. II. a has 



