XXXV111 INTRODUCTION. 



therefore, that has acquired a relish for cultivating a 

 knowledge of natural objects, it never fails to prove 

 an* inexhaustible source of amusement. 



The physical sciences have a strong tendency to 

 arrest the attention of the youthful mind, being 

 replete with striking phenomena ; and, in mature 

 years, few can pursue the study of Nature without 

 acquiring- an ardent zeal for the extension of their 

 knowledge. The varied forms which daily present 

 themselves to the inquiring eye, give the mind a 

 strong bias for observation and reflection. Hence the 

 utility of introducing natural history as a preliminary 

 branch of education ; and it would be well if people 

 of rank and fortune would see the importance of 

 instilling a love of this science into the infant minds 

 of their offspring, when they are yet alive to the 

 influence of early impressions. They might thus be 

 preserved from those ignoble pursuits which are the 

 too general concomitants of wealth and rank. 



