PREFACE. 



than to any of the other productions; though 

 some hints respecting other subjects will be found, 

 wherever it was judged that they could be in- 

 troduced to advantage. On a few points, too, 

 there is a departure from the opinions of some 

 of the authorities ; but there the author would be 

 understood not to assert, but respectfully to recom- 

 mend further observation as of matters that are 

 but imperfectly understood. 



Although the abilities of the author were in ac- 

 cordance with his wish, he is well aware that no 

 writing can do more than operate as an excite- 

 ment to the study of Nature itself; and if what 

 the author of "The British Naturalist" has written, 

 or may write, shall have that effect, he will feel 

 that he has accomplished all that he can accom- 

 plish in kind; and it is for the public to judge of 

 the accomplishment in degree. 



Bank of the Thames, 

 June, 1830. 



