V1U PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



literary treatment of subjects of natural history is liable to 

 difficulties of composition, notwithstanding the aid which it 

 derives from the power and flexibility of our noble language. 

 The unbounded riches of Nature occasion an accumulation 

 of separate images ; and accumulation disturbs the repose 

 and the unity of impression which should belong to the 

 picture. Moreover, when addressing the feelings and 

 imagination, a firm hand is needed to guard the style from 

 degenerating into an undesirable species of poetic prose. 

 But I need not here describe more fully dangers which 

 I fear the following pages will shew I have not always 

 succeeded in avoiding. 



Nevertheless, notwithstanding faults which I can more 

 easily perceive than amend, I venture to hope that these 

 descriptions of the varied Aspects which Nature assumes in 

 distant lands, may impart to the reader a portion of that 

 enjoyment which is derived from their immediate contem- 

 plation by a mind susceptible of such impressions. As this 

 enjoyment is enhanced by insight into the more hidden 

 connection of the different powers and forces of nature, 

 I have subjoined to each treatise scientific elucidations and 

 additions. 



