26 CONCLUSION. 



too prolix in these preliminary observations to leave 

 himself space for a lengthened explanation of his 

 reasons for again intruding upon the public. These 

 are neither original nor profound. But he cannot 

 help expressing an earnest hope that he may get 

 credit from old friends, and perhaps from some new, 

 for wishing to show that the book of nature is as 

 open as it is varied and inexhaustible ; and that, 

 however jealously guarded are many of the great 

 secrets of organization, a knowledge of some of the 

 most familiar objects tends to inspire us alike with 

 wonder and with awe. 



