IV PEEF^CE. 



of viewing the Almighty Creator in His works. 

 The selections are made chiefly from marine botany, 

 zoology, meteorology, the fisheries, the vaiying 

 aspects of island and coast scenery, incidents of 

 navigation, &c., arranged (if such a word be not 

 inapplicable) in the order of geographical distribu- 

 tion ; as they might be supposed to present them- 

 selves to the notice of an observant voyager. 



It may be thought that the Author has touched 

 too frequently, or dwelt with too great prolixity, 

 on objects minute in themselves, and by the 

 generality of persons considered insignificant and 

 unworthy of regard. If apology for this be necessary, 

 he presents it in the words of Samuel Purchas : — 

 "Mcostratus in ^lian, finding a curious piece of 

 wood, and being wondered at by one, and asked 

 what pleasure he could cake to stand, as he did, 

 still gazing on the picture, answered, ' Hadst thou 

 mine eyes, my friend, thou wouldst not wonder, 

 but rather be ravished, as I am, at the inimitable 

 art of this rare and admirable piece.' I am sure 

 no picture can express so much wonder and ex- 

 cellency as the smallest insect, but we want Nicos- 

 tratus his eyes to behold them. 



" And the praise of God's wisdom and power lies 

 asleep and dead in every creature, until man actuate 

 and enliven it. I cannot, therefore, altogether con- 



