VI PEEFACE. 



scopic marvels, might possibly feel repelled by a complete 

 and lengthened treatise. 



The utmost care has, however, been taken to make 

 this work strictly accurate in its statements, and exact in 

 its pictorial representations of the objects described. /) 



The Author can desire no better success for the book 

 than that its perusal may now and then induce a reader to 

 obtain a microscope, and by its aid enjoy those realities 

 which far surpass all pictures and descriptions. 



In the days of my microscopic displays, a working 

 man came, half shily and half pleased, at the persuasions 

 of a few of my young friends, to look through the instrument 

 at some striking object. He gazed attentively for a moment, 

 and then exclaimed, in considerable surprise, "It is beau- 

 tiful but, is it true?" "Yes, my friend," (might have 

 been the reply,) "it is true; it is itself a truth and a reality." 

 And in this consists the charm of microscopic research. 

 With a suitable instrument, and a little leisure time at com- 

 mand, how happily is the observer brought face to face witi. 

 the minuter parts of God's creation, and how easy it seems 

 at once to enjoy and to learn. It is like visiting a rich. Kit 

 hitherto undiscovered region like opening a page, hitherto 

 unread, of a treasured volume. And while we explore and 

 study, we feel a new sense of the unfailing power and infinite 

 wisdom of the Great Creator, whose mercies are over all 

 His works. 



BELLAIE, Mo ATE, IEELAIID. 



