IV PREFACE. 



of moral character. The procuring of animals 

 and birds, the search for plants and insects, 

 require exercise in the open air, and while 

 they call into action the powers of the body, 

 agreeably interest those of the mind ; " labor 

 ipse voluptas" 



The cultivated mind is ever active. If it 

 find not employment suitable to its high capa- 

 city and noble design, it either sinks into low 

 and frivolous pursuits, or becomes the prey 

 of evil passions, and the engine of mischief 

 and disorder. The world at present presents, 

 alas ! too many instances of perverted genius. 



On the youthful character the impress of 

 right habits is peculiarly important ; for the 

 mind embrued, when rising into activity, with 

 just principles, and directed to useful pursuits, 

 rarely becomes the residence of vice and 

 error. 



Natural Historv communicates to its vota- 



c/ 



ries y a love of order; it expands while it directs 

 the energies of the mind ; it opens a field of 

 pious contemplation, manifesting at every 

 step, the glorious attributes of Him, whose 

 wisdom and goodness are discernible, not less 

 in the structure of an insect's limb and the 

 formation of a feather, than in the majestic 

 power of the " half-reasoning elephant." 



