PREFACE. V 



ations is pointed out, will impress the mind of every reader 

 with a constant conviction of Almighty wisdom and benevo- 

 lence. But everything in nature is so well contrived, so well 

 ordained, that it is hardly prudent to select from the whole 

 particular things as special instances of creative wisdom, and 

 as deserving our admiration more than others. 



Wonder lies 



In the mind merely of the wondering man : 

 Treading the steps of common life, with eyes 

 Of curious inquisition, some will stare 

 At each discovery of Nature's ways, 

 As it were new to find that God contrives. 

 The contrary were marvellous to me, 

 And till I find it I shall marvel not ; 

 Or all is wonderful, or nothing is." 



To revert more directly to the materials of this volume, 

 it may be permitted to me to observe, that I believe it will be 

 found to contain a greater collection of well -authenticated facts 

 than any similar work of the same size. Nature is so exten- 

 sive, and man's life so inadequate to acquire the whole of this 

 kind of knowledge, that it is well to convey, to those who 

 seek it, as much as possible in a given space, rather than 

 to administer it on the homoeopathic principle. But while I 

 have placed facts before the reader, I have also called at- 

 tention to many agenda, or matters which still remain to be 

 ascertained ; and also to such statements as are vague, inde- 

 cisive, or contradictory, contenting myself with merely sug- 

 gesting what may appear to be most probably true, instead 

 of attempting to impose a dogmatical opinion. By pursuing 

 the former course, which I trust will be appreciated, as it 

 instructs all and deceives none, I have neglected the ex- 

 ample of many professors of science, who are ever fearful 

 lest their pupils should find they cannot supply them 

 with positive information on everything. Lord Bacon had 

 the temerity to complain of a similar failing in his period. 

 " As knowledge is now," he observes, <e there is a kind of 



