yi PREFACE. 



nite idea of the subject. For this reason, a table of contents is 

 appended to the work, as well as an alphabetical index; the 

 one to enable the reader to form a general conception of the 

 subject, and the other to enable him to find out any particular 

 creature. 



On perusing the work, the attentive reader will probably dis- 

 cover that various animals are placed in one class when they 

 might very well be in another. The reason is, that many crea- 

 tures, such as the wasp, the ant, the squirrel, etc., might with 

 equal propriety find a place in several of these classes, and I have 

 therefore placed them in that class of which some peculiarity in 

 nest-making renders them fit illustrators. 



I must now return my thanks to the many friends who have 

 assisted me in the work, by the loan or gift of specimens, or by 

 affording valuable information. Among them I must especially 

 mention J. Gould, Esq., who kindly took an interest in the or- 

 nithological portion of the work ; R Smith, Esq., of the British 

 Museum ; and the late Charles Waterton, Esq., who permit- 

 ted me the use of his museum, and gave me much interesting 

 and useful information. 



