VI PREFACE. 



The particular task which he has assigned to 

 himself is, that of presenting the most familiar 

 appearances, under the aspect of facts which 

 solicit attention, and amply repay investiga- 

 tion ; that he may show how entirely within the 

 reach of every man are those studies which en- 

 large the sphere of useful knowledge, while they 

 aiford the most interesting employment to the 

 understanding, and improve the heart. 



It did not, therefore, accord with his plan to 

 confine himself to the consideration of any one 

 department of Nature ; or to be fastidious as to 

 the scientific arrangement of the various subjects 

 which came under his review. These subjects 

 are treated rather in the form of distinct and 

 independent Essays, than as different steps in 

 one unbroken argument ; and yet, he shall have 

 but ill accomplished his object, should not the 

 whole of his investigations, various and desul- 

 tory as they may appear, be found to bear on 

 one great conclusion, and that the most impor- 

 tant to which unassisted reason can come, 

 namely, that the hand of a wise and intelligent 

 Creator is every where visible, demanding the 

 reverence and adoration of his rational crea- 

 tures. Nor shall he have less failed in his aim 

 should he leave the mind satisfied with this dis- 

 covery, or unprepared to seek, in rewalcd reli- 



