IV INTRODUCTION. 



Yet there are many places, especially in the shallower waters, 

 densely clothed with forests of sea-plants, which are inhabited 

 by numerous and varied representatives of the animal kingdom. 

 It is astonishing, how many living species may be found in a 

 small tide-pool, where circumstances have favored their necessi- 

 ties. In the Tableau, however, no attempt has been made to 

 exhibit congruous forms, or even those from waters of the same 

 temperature. The objects have been taken (as will be seen by 

 reference to the key,) from localities widely separated, and are 

 brought together with regard to their habits ; so as to set forth, 

 (with the aid of the text,) their peculiarities, and their positions, 

 and relations to each other, in their respective classes, and to 

 show the dependence of the great kingdoms upon each other. 

 The work is chiefly intended for popular use ; and the hope is 

 humbly indulged, that it may prove an aid, and an incentive to . 

 the great study of comparative zoology ; an acquaintance with 

 which seems indispensable to a comprehensive knowledge of man- 

 kind. The description of the plate is so arranged that the reader 

 will be conducted from the investigation of the lower forms of 

 life, (as they appear to us,) to those more complicated in struc- 

 ture. 



The picture was executed in water colors by Mr. C. Schuessele, 

 and it is with much pleasure that I acknowledge his superior 

 qualifications as an artist. I am also happy to speak in the 

 highest terms of praise, of the abilities of Mr. F. Moras, who re- 

 produced the Tableau in a very superior style of chrorno-litho- 

 graphy. I would likewise gratefully express my obligation for 

 valuable suggestions, to Mr. James Hamilton, the distinguished 

 marine and landscape painter. In offering the work to the public, 

 I do not pretend that it has reached perfection, neither am I 

 confident that its accuracy is faultless ; yet every effort has been 

 made to render it a truthful and acceptable medium for impart- 

 ing knowledge. Any errors which may have crept in while pass- 

 ing through the hands of the different operators, (if conscious of 

 them,) I have corrected by drawings in the pamphlet. The text 

 is chiefly compiled from the writings of European authors of ce- 

 lebrity. I have been guided in making the selections, which are 

 from many sources, by my own observations upon living objects ; 



