ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY 



OF THE 



ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



INTRODUCTION: THE UNIVERSALITY OF ANIMAL LIFE. 



In whatever direction we turn our eyes, we everywhere meet the varied forms of animal life. 

 Earth, air, water, are all alike occupied by multitudes of living creatures, each fitted especially for 

 the habitation assigned to it by nature} Every wood or meadow— nay, every tree or shrub, or tuft 

 of grass — has its inhabitants; even beneath the surface of the ground, numbers of animals may be 

 found fulfilling the purposes for which their species were called into existence. Myriads of birds dash 

 through the air, supported on their feathered pinions, or solicit our attention by the charming song 

 which they pour forth from their resting-places; while swarms of insects, with still lighter wings, 

 dispute with them the empire of the air. The waters, whether salt or fresh, are also filled with 

 living organisms; fishes of many forms and varied colors, and creatures of yet more strange appear- 

 ance, swim silently through their depths, and their shores are covered with a profusion of polype.-, 

 sponges, starfishes, and other animals. 



"The sounds and seas, each creek and bay, 

 "With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals - * 



Offish that with their fins and shining scales 

 Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft 

 Bank the mid sea: part single, or with mate, 

 Graze the sea-weed their pasture, and through groves 

 Of coral stray ; or sporting with quick glance, 

 Show to the sun their waved coats dropped with gold ; 



Vol. I.— 1 



