xii. PREFACE. 



forth this little book upon its mission. The best wish 

 I can have for it is that it may impart to its readers 

 a tithe of the pleasure its preparation has given to 

 its author. I may, perhaps, be allowed to hope, that 

 it shall communicate some interesting knowledge to 

 many inquirers, and awaken in many appreciative 

 minds an intelligent admiration for this part of Nature's 

 wondrous handiwork. 



A. B. IIERVEY. 



Taunton, Massachusetts, 

 May\ isi, 1881. 



