PREFACE. vi j 



original." Tlius Animated Nature was popularized, at least in English, at once ami 

 forever. Even now, after the lapse of nearly a century, though science has overturned 

 the systems on which these authors founded their writings, and has proved a multi- 

 tude of their details to be either imperfect or fabulous, still their felicitous descriptions, 

 their lively anecdotes, their fascinating narratives, continue to be published and repub- 

 lished, as a never cloying feast, for generation after generation. 



Nor has this subject been less fortunate in its scientific treatment. Not to speak of 

 Linnaeus, who wrote a century ago, and whose great name can never be overshadowed 

 by comparison, George Cuvier, the Master Mind of his age, though by no means neglect- 

 ing the external qualities of animals, explored with a profound sagacity their internal 

 structure. The result is well known — the new science of Comparative Anatomy, that 

 has waked from their sleep of ages the multitudinous races of extinct animals ; and 

 furthermore, Cuvier's example has led to the study of the structure of existing races as 

 the verv basis of Scientific Zoology. And what an array of great names has since fol- 

 lowed in his track! The general effect is an expansion of the science beyond the com- 

 prehension of any single mind, and hence different authors have devoted themselves 

 to special branches, one to insects, nay, often to a single genus of insects ; another to 

 reptiles; another to star-fishes ; another to the infusoria, and so on. f Often has the 

 whole life of a great man been devoted to the study of a single family, even of the lower 

 forms of life ; and this, after all his studies, has been found to have depths yet unsounded. 

 | The amazing extent and wonderful developments resulting from these efforts are illus- 

 trated in the recent work of Professor Agassiz — two volumes, quarto, wpon Am ricam 

 Tortoises — creatures that creep beneath our feet in the brooks and puddles, many of 

 them familiar to us, all objects of general indifference or contempt, and yet the whole 

 furnishing an example of the most profound research, the most beautiful adaptations, 1 In- 

 most wonderful revelations : a theme in the hands of its master, fruitful of the most 

 sublime and inspiring trains of thought. And what has been done in respect to this 

 one class of animals, has been done with more or less ability and success, in respect t< i 

 a multitude of others. 



Nor is this all. Travelers in modern times are naturalists, and those especially who 

 have recently explored new countries, have brought to the general stock a vast mase 



* Goldsmith's "Animated Nature" was not an express translation of Buffon; it was. to a great extent, original; 

 still he followed in Buffon's footsteps, and in some cases translated and in others paraphrased him. When Dr. 

 Johnson was informed that Goldsmith had undertaken this work, he remarked, - He will make it entertaining 

 a Persian tale ;" and Irving, in his life of Goldsmith, says the prediction was fulfilled. 



f As an illustration of special study in Natural History, we may mention 'the Oology of the Birds of Nor 

 America, by Dr. T.M. Brewer, whose name is so often mentioned by Audubon. Nuttall. *c, as having furnisl 

 them with useful ornithological facts. This work, which will make a quarto volume of a thousand pages, is - 

 to appear under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution. It will initiate a new branch of study in ornithology. 

 as furnishing the best possible means of determining the species and geographical range of particular genera of 

 birds. 



