XIV PREFACE. 



The legend adds, that many heretics who were 

 present at the miracle were converted by it ; and that 

 St. Anthony gave his benediction to the fish and 

 dismissed them. 



Although to the Christian's mind the trifling, 

 not to say profane appeal to the sacred name 

 be justly offensive and revolting, yet are there 

 touches of feeling and sentiment underlying this 

 fabulous invention worthy of notice the wonders 

 in the world of waters, whether in ocean, lake, 

 or river, manifested in the variegated displays 

 of the Creator's power and wisdom in the forma- 

 tion of the inhabitants thereof, in the provision 

 made for their sustenance and well-being as can- 

 not but add weight to the leading argument of 

 the ensuing work. 



With peculiar satisfaction I close these pre- 

 fatory remarks by directing the attention of my 

 readers to an extract by the pen of the distin- 

 guished author of " Salmonia." Though I would 

 not venture to endorse every sentiment made by 

 all his characters, about some of which there/may 

 well be a difference of opinion, yet I take leave 

 to transfer to my pages one exquisitely lovely 



