PREFACE TO PARENTS. 



THE author of the following book avails him- 

 self of the opportunity afforded by its publication, 

 to address a word to those who sustain the delightful 

 and responsible relation of parents. 



To such of that class as may honour by a perusal 

 this humble attempt to interest and instruct their 

 offspring, the author need not say that the subject 

 of his book possesses for himself peculiar attrac- 

 tions : it will readily be perceived that he has found 

 a charm in the pursuits of the naturalist. The 

 votary of a favourite science would anticipate too 

 much, should he expect every one to partake of the 

 enthusiasm which is apt to stimulate him; it is 

 wisely and kindly ordered that we shall not all be 

 enthusiasts in the same direction. The author, how- 

 ever, still ventures to hope, that in his subject there 

 is enough to attract, though it may fail to fascinate. 

 He hopes, too, that it will be found not attractive 

 merely, but profitable also to his young countrymen. 

 There are many reasons on which to found such 



