/. 



TO T. ROMEYN BECK, M.D., LL.D. 



SIR: 



There is more than one reason why the concluding divisions of the 

 present work, undertaken to explore and illustrate the natural history 

 of the State of New-York, and conducted under legislative patronage, 

 should be dedicated to you. You were among the first to foster the 

 enterprise, and remained its consistent advocate in times when adverse 

 circumstances seemed to jeopardize its continuance : much more than 

 this, your whole life has been assiduously engaged in promoting the 

 advance of science and the spread of popular education, and the 

 published results of your scientific and literary labors may be referred 

 to as reflecting an honor upon your native State. Would that the 

 merits of the present volume were such as to render it more worthy 

 its dedication. 



THE AUTHOR. 



[ AoBiccLTtniAL Repokt — Vol. v.] 



