PREFACE. 



SOME few years ago Mr. Loudon wrote to me, 

 in order to draw my attention to his Magazine 

 of Natural History ; and he added in his letter, 

 that he would feel obliged to me for any com- 

 munication that I might send to him from time 

 to time at my convenience. 



I was preparing to set out for the Continent 

 at the time that I received Mr. Loudon's letter. 

 On my return home from Franconia, I did 

 not forget his application relative to the Maga- 

 zine of Natural History. I owe a debt of gra- 

 titude to Mr. Loudon, for the very kind manner 

 in which he has always spoken of the Wan- 

 derings, and recommended that work to the 

 public. 



I had learned, by mere chance, that a pro- 

 fessor in V ing's College had been applying to 



