28 MODERN HISTORY 



external and internal structure : it enumerates all the well- 

 authenticated species which are known with certainty to 

 belong to each subdivision; and enters into some details 

 on those kinds which, from tlicir abundance in these cli- 

 mates, the advantages we derive or the injuries we suffer 

 from them, from singularities in their manners or economy, 

 their extraordinary forms, beauty, or size, become objects 

 of particular interest. Of the confidence which this work 

 deserves as a representation of facts, in contra-distinction 

 from compilations the fruit of labours in the closet, we may 

 form a judgment from this circumstance, that, with the 

 exception of such animals as by their minuteness elude the 

 researches of the anatomist, ihere are very few groupes of 

 the rank of sub-genera mentioned in the book of which 

 the author cannot produce at least some considerable por- 

 tion of the organs. In each division and each species we 

 are referred to the best sources of information ; not by in- 

 discriminate and accumulated quotations, which only in- 

 crease and perpetuate confusion — but by the selection of 

 those works and figures to which the character of originality 

 belongs ; in short, by weighing, and not counting autho- 

 rities. A very valuable catalogue of zoological authors is 

 subjoined. 



That it bears marks of haste, and does not in all parts 

 correspond to what we expect from the most knowing and 

 most learned (which are by no means synonymous epithets) 

 of modern zoologists, might well be expected, when we 

 consider the wide field it embraces, the multifarious pursuits, 

 and the important political and civil duties of tlie author : 

 yet it is not less valuable than indispensable to every zoolo- 

 gist, as the most perfect delineation of the actual state of 

 the science, as the most authentic and worthy of confidence 

 in its details, and from the enlightened discrimination and 

 criticism employed in tlie selection of authorities. 



If any of my hearers have regarded zoology as an amuse^ 

 ment, rather than a philosophical pursuit — as something 

 calculated to employ light minds, or occupy hours of lei- 

 sure and relaxation — I would recommend them to survey 



