viii INTRODUCTION. 



can still only be said to afford a cursory glance of, a 

 scanty index to, the Animal Kingdom ; the numerous 

 groups of which merge so gradually into each other, that 

 it becomes impossible to establish absolute lines of 

 demarcation between some of the members 



The classification given is, however, that which long 

 experience in lecturing on the subject has proved to be 

 the most clear and defined, and therefore the most likely 

 to be comprehended and remembered by the pupils. It 

 is based upon the original system of Cuvier, extended or 

 modified by the investigations of Professor Rymer Jones, 

 Dr. Milne-Edwards, Dr. Shea, Dr. Carpenter, Professor 

 Agassiz, Dr. Carl Arendts, other English and Continental 

 naturalists, and my own personal study. 



The uses of animals in the great economy of nature is 

 pointed out, and the edible and commercial products 

 obtained from each is described ; the statistics introduced 

 being culled from the most reliable sources. 



The importance of the animal creation is thus shown ; 

 for whilst from the Mammalia we receive the staple 

 articles of our food, we also obtain from that class bone, 

 leather, hoofs, horns, hides, furs, hair, whalebone, blubber, 

 fat, &c. nay, the very animal refuse is of the greatest 

 commercial value as manure. 



From Birds, too, we receive many and important 

 benefits ; * for whilst some perform the office of Nature's 

 scavengers, removing in hot climates quantities of decay- 

 ing matter, which if left would produce disease, others 

 not only furnish us with the " grey goose quill," by the 

 aid of which trie greatest men have conveyed to us their 

 thoughts and discoveries, but also provide us with the 

 material for the soft pillow on which to rest our weary 

 heads. From the flesh and eggs of some, we derive whole- 



* See "Cassell's Book of 15irds," edited by Professor Rymer Jones. 



