PREFACE. 



Let us take, for example, the study of nature. No science, 

 assuredly, ought to prove more attractive to the mind than 

 natural history. Yet mark how repulsive zoology, botany, 

 and mineralogy are made at the very outset, by the dry- 

 ness of their nomenclatures and the dreariness of their 

 classifications. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to lay down a 

 course of study in the midst of the marvels which every- 

 where surround us; undoubtedly names are required for 

 the objects which attract our notice. But are not the 

 methods we employ directly opposed to the end we set 

 before ourselves? 



I address myself to parents and teachers ; and I say to 

 them, Do you wish to inculcate a love of science, and 

 yet put into the hands of your children or pupils books 

 which differ as widely from the book of nature as human 

 brotherhood (a fiction !) differs from universal gravitation ? 

 Instead of familiarising us at first with the animals and 

 plants within our everyday reach, you collect, under the 

 same irrevocable iron "form," genera and species never 

 intended to meet in any one particular zone, and many of 

 which are so rare that few persons will ever be fortunate 

 enough to see them except in collections and engravings. 

 And, curious to state, the rarest species nearly always ob- 

 tain your preferences j judging, at least, from the minute 

 descriptions which you consecrate to them. Monstrous 



