INTRODUCTION. 



AMONG the numerous subjects that arc 

 continually issuing from the press, few are 

 of greater utility than such as relate to 

 Natural History a science equally calcu- 

 lated to gratify a laudable curiosity, to 

 afford an unfailing source of amusement, 

 and to impress the mind with the most ex- 

 alted ideas of that Divine Being, by whose 

 eternal fat the universe was brought into 

 existence, and by whose infinite power and 

 love the lives of his creatures are preserved, 

 and their wants abundantly supplied. 



To the junior classes of society (as well 

 as to readers in general) the study of Ani- 

 mal History seems peculiarly adapted; as 

 every branch of it is replete with instruc- 

 tion, and the contemplation of every object 

 which it exhibits, tends to ameliorate the 



