PREFACE. 



To those who attentively consider the subject of Natural 

 History, as displayed in the animal creation, it will appear, 

 that though much has been done to explore the intricate 

 paths of Nature, and follow her through all her various 

 windings, much yet remains to be done before the great 

 oeconomy is completely developed. Notwithstanding the 

 laborious and not unsuccessful inquiries of ingenious men 

 in all ages, the subject is far from being exhausted. Systems 

 have been formed and exploded, and new ones have ap- 

 peared in their stead ; but, like skeletons injudiciously put 

 together, they give but an imperfect idea of that order and 

 symmetry to which they are intended to be subservient: they 

 have, however, their use, but it is chiefly the skilful practi- 

 tioner who is enabled to profit by them; to the less-informed 

 they appear obscure and perplexing, and too frequently deter 

 him from the great object of his pursuit. 



To investigate, with any tolerable degree of success, the 

 more retired and distant parts of the animal oeconomy is a 

 task of no small difficulty. An enquiry so desirable and so 

 eminently useful would require the united efforts of many to 

 give it the desired success. Men of leisure, of all descrip- 

 tions, residing in the country, could scarcely find a more 



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