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PREFACE, 



THAT the study of nature tends to expand the mind, 

 and create an increasing thirst for knowledge, rendering 

 it eager tor make new acquisitions, is a fact abundantly 

 exemplified in the experience of our own department. 

 Those who have been led to examine the animal king- 

 dom, both in its mental and physiological aspects, become 

 anxious to explore the mysteries of the vegetable, secure 

 of finding nature everywhere bountiful in her gifts, and that 

 the contemplation of her as she presents herself in the 

 minute as well as the vast, will but increase their wonder 

 and admiration ; and it is for the purpose of thus satisfying 

 the desires of our friends that the present work is offered 

 to the public. Intended for those who have no previous 

 knowledge of the subject, the aim has been, not. only to 

 make it simple enough to be understood without other 

 instruction, but also, by means of ample illustration, in the 

 way of facts and anecdotes, to keep up and gratify curi- 

 osity to the end. The principles of the science, together 



