PREFACE. 



THIS work has been prepared for the students of the 

 Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. It is also 

 adapted to use in schools. 



It begins with the simplest and most elementary 

 facts of Biology, and progresses gradually to things 

 more intricate. It uses no unnecessary -technicalities, 

 is condensed into the smallest possible compass, and 

 but few words are spent upon theories. The Chris- 

 tian philosophy of life, which the author believes to 

 be the only true philosophy, is clearly stated ; but he 

 aims to present only facts, and the plain inferences 

 from facts, to the attention of the inquirer. 



0? THB 



tJIIVIBSIT.7 



