X PREFACE. 



idea of one of the animals even which are most fami- 

 liar to us : how idle would it then appear to weary 

 those for whom this volume is intended with dry de- 

 scriptions of form, when a plate will more effectually 

 accomplish the intention than the most elaborate 

 attempts of language ! To show the economy of ani- 

 mated nature, and, from a display of its beauty or 

 utility, to enforce that benevolence which is due to 

 every thing that has life ; to lead from the contempla- 

 tion of His works to the Almighty Parent of them 

 ALL, is the principal purpose of the present writer : 

 and, if this grand end be effected in any degree cor- 

 respondent to his hopes and wishes, these outlines of 

 Natural History will be reviewed by him with a satis- 

 faction which praise indeed may heighten, but which 

 no censure can essentially dimmish. 



W. M. 



1799. 



