INTRODUCTION. 



IN the present Picture of Nature, it is intended to 

 afford, with as much accuracy as possible, an idea 

 of the manner in which plants and animals are spread 

 upon the earth. The solid portion of our planet 

 is surrounded by two principal elements water, and 

 atmospheric air : by the former, to an ascertained 

 depth: by the latter, to an unknown extent. Water 

 forms the sea ; out of which the earth rises : so that, 

 as the surface of the earth does not extend to hall 

 that of the sea, it therefore appears to swim in it : ot 

 this the Picture, at the first view, affords a sufficient 

 idea. On the main land, fresh water is found in rivers, 

 lakes, and ponds : these run into the sea. 



All plants and animals live in one of these elements, 

 inhabiting either the water or the air ; being, in the 

 former, in a lower; and in the latter, in a higher degree 

 of perfection. The world of animated nature begins, as 

 a complete whole, in the water; whence it ascends to 

 the atmosphere, to a more delightful participation of 

 the sun's light ; finally terminating in the perfect 

 pattern of all organic formation man. 



The greatest luxuriance of organic life is un- 

 A 



