PREFACE. 



THIS work is intended, firstly, to aid persons engaged 

 in trade to recognize readily, and to have a closer know- 

 ledge of the animals with which they are to some extent 

 already familiar, and which they would have some 

 difficulty in finding in more elaborate and scientific 

 works. Secondly, to be a connecting link between 

 commerce and science. The scientific portions of 

 natural history are often described with much detail, 

 but, though interesting and important, they should not 

 altogether close our eyes to the relations which the 

 animals bear to man, and the important part they play 

 with regard to his clothing and, consequently, to his 

 personal comfort. The Author has also endeavoured to 

 make this work more interesting to the general public 

 by adding small sketches of the habits of the animals 

 described. 



