Preface 



THE study of Natural History affords many solid 

 advantages and not a few pure dwlights, since it gives 

 to the heart of man simple and sweet enjoyment while 

 tending to develop some of the noblest sentiments of his 

 being. In the Animal Kingdom the order, the design, 

 the harmony observable in its laws, the marvels of 

 structure and mechanism and the economy observable 

 on every hand, are all proofs of the Divine wisdom 

 and superintendence. 



The present work is primarily intended to encourage 

 an intelligent interest in the subject by that large class of 

 readers who have neither the time nor the taste for intricate 

 technical details ; and for this reason an animal is some- 

 times presented out of the order which a rigid scientific 

 classification would demand. Though it make no preten- 

 sions to be a scientific manual, it is hoped it will furnish 

 an interesting and accurate account of the Mammals of 

 the world. Apart from mere information, it will at least 

 lead to a 'kindly feeling for all that God has created, and 

 assist to a sympathetic understanding of the dumb creatures 

 who minister to our wants and necessities, our comforts, 

 our passions, and our pride. 



Some of the older explorers and hunters, whose names 

 occur in the text, encountered various wild beasts in regions 

 from which civilisation has since driven them, and before 

 fire-arms had reached their present-day range and precision ; 

 but reference is also made to great modern Nimrods who 

 have recently hunted big game in every quarter of the 



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