Vlll PREFATORY NOTICE. 



that is the comparison of what I have written with 

 the title, " A popular Guide to the observation of 

 Nature." These words taken literally are presump- 

 tive ; and therefore I may be permitted to add 

 my interpretation of them. A " Guide to Nature," 

 taken literally, would be arrogant, because it 

 would be assuming a knowledge of the whole of 

 that, of which the most diligent inquirer can in 

 the longest life know but little. But a guide to 

 " Observation," taken unexplained, is even worse ; 

 for unless it be in the use of instruments and ap- 

 paratus, I know not how one man can guide an- 

 other to observe. Means may certainly be taken 

 to tempt a person into the fields ; but if he will 

 not use his own senses when he is once there, his 

 case is hopeless. " Hints of inducement to the 

 observation of Nature," is, therefore, what I have 

 been reduced to in the execution of the volume, 

 and, consequently, that should be taken as the fair 

 interpretation of the title. 



Even that is no easy task. Any body could 

 write a panegyric on nature ; and so could any 

 One who had access to the printed books, and a 

 talent, or turn that way, compile a manual of the 

 outlines of Natural History, or of the details of 

 any, or all, of the departments of it. But the 



