PREFACE. XV 



It was originally intended to have added to each 

 genus in the Vertebral and Molluscous Tribes at 

 least, a list of all the species which have been dis- 

 covered as natives of the British Isles. But soon 

 perceiving the impossibility of doing this, without 

 exceeding greatly the prescribed limits, the writer 

 relinquished the plan. He has, however, resolved to 

 supply the defect in a separate publication, (for which 

 he has been collecting materials during many years) ; 

 in which work, he will confine himself to the deter- 

 mination of the specific characters and descriptions 

 of BRITISH ANIMALS. The propriety of attempt- 

 ing such a publication, must be acknowledged by 

 every one acquainted with the present chaotic state 

 of the British Fauna. 



The Plates which have been added to the present 

 work, consist of figures relating exclusively to British 

 animals. They are not gaudy, but they are correct 

 delineations from nature, for which he is indebted 

 to the pencil of his wife. 



With regard to the style, it may be proper to 

 mention, that brevity and perspicuity have been 

 chiefly aimed at. That there are several errors in 

 the composition is readily acknowledged. Those 



