ir PREFACE. 



when the elder Pliny collected that medley of science 

 and fable, which is the only valuable work upon na- 

 tural history that the remains of Roman literature 

 afford. And, in modern times, the great masters of 

 Almost every other science had passed, before Buffon 

 and Linnaeus appeared. 



But if natural history did not, till a late period, be- 

 gin to assume a regular form, or to command the atten- 

 tion of the votaries of knowledge ; it has at length 

 become a favourite study with almost all classes of men. 

 The philosopher finds no task more pleasing, than to 

 watch and compare the habits and manners of plants 

 and animals. The virtuoso rejoices in the possession 

 of a shell, a skeleton, or a stuifed skin, no less than in 

 a rusty medal, a faded picture, or a mutilated statue. 

 The painter and the engraver have exhibited some of 

 the finest specimens of their respective arts in imitating 

 the forms and colours of birds and quadrupeds. And 

 what a numerous train of writers have lately sought 

 fame or emolument, by illustrating subjects of natural 

 history ! 



Linnaeus and Buffon, the chief of these last, have 

 equally displayed, in their works, some of the highest 

 efforts of genius ; although differing as much in their 

 views, and manner of composition, as is possible for 

 two able writers, upon the same train of subjects. 

 The one has reduced natural history to the austere 

 regularity of scientific method: while the other has 

 displayed its materials in a loose order, and arrayed 

 them in all the pomp of popular eloquence. The one 

 has formed a new classification, and invented a new sys- 

 tem of technical language, as apparatus for his favourite 

 science : the other, in compiance with the taste of his 

 eountiy ; and the turn of hisown genius, has endeavoured 



