INTRODUCTION 



IF we are struck with wonder and admiration 

 at the progress of the arts and manufactures, and 

 have daily reason to congratulate ourselves on the 

 skill and ingenuity of our fellow-creatures, by 

 which our comforts and conveniences are so much 

 increased ; it must also occasionally have crossed 

 our minds, that some of the meaner creatures, 

 though not gifted with our reasoning powers, and 

 therefore not able to profit by the experience of 

 the past, are yet employed in their several depart- 

 ments, and according to their several wants, in 

 exceedingly curious and useful . manufactures, 

 mostly designed for the shelter and preservation 

 of themselves or their offspring, but serving, not 



