PEEFACE. 



'JL'HERE are few recreative pleasures to which 

 tlie minds of children can be turned with more 

 real advantage, than to the close observance 

 of the beauties of the creation. We are every- 

 where surrounded by objects of deep interest, 

 which attract but little attention because their 

 appearance is so familiar. But it certainly is 

 an evidence that we do not sufficiently appre- 

 ciate the blessings which our Heavenly Father 

 has conferred upon us, when we look with in- 

 difference upon the beautiful adornments of 

 that world which his own hand hath created, 

 and whose every charm he hath so evidently 

 designed for our enjoyment. 



How elevating are the thoughts which are 

 begotten by the contemplation of these objects I 

 1* (v) 



