XVI PREFACE. 



which seem to injure the sense, have been taken no- 

 tice of in the list of corrigenda. 



Before concluding, the author embraces this op- 

 portunity of expressing his gratitude for the kind as- 

 sistance he has experienced in prosecuting the work. 

 He must particularly mention the name of Professor 

 JAMESON, who has added so much to the reputa- 

 tion of the University of Edinburgh, as an eminent 

 teacher of Natural History, and to whose exertions 

 the public is indebted for that splendid collection 

 of ANIMALS which adorns the Edinburgh Museum. 

 The work, indeed, was begun in consequence of his 

 recommendation, and he has contributed to its pro- 

 gress by many kind offices. 



To PATRICK NEILL, Esq. the author has been 

 under particular obligations, for many valuable hints 

 and sound criticisms, dictated equally by the ties of 

 friendship and attachment to the science. 



After all his exertions, the writer is aware that 

 much more might be done, to give this treatise 

 stronger claims to public favour, and to render it 

 better deserving of the title which, for the sake 

 of discrimination, he has, perhaps presumptuously, 



