PREFACE. XV 
It was originally intended to have added to each 
genus in the Vertebral and Molluscous Tribes at 
least, a list of all the species which have been dis- 
covered as natives of the British Isles. But soon 
perceiving the impossibility of doing this, without 
exceeding greatly the prescribed limits, the writer 
relinquished the plan. He has, however, resolved to 
supply the defect in a separate publication, (for which 
he has been collecting materials during many years) ; 
in which work, he will confine himself to the deter- 
mination of the specific characters and descriptions 
of BririsH ANIMALS. The propriety of attempt- 
ing such a publication, must be acknowledged by 
every one acquainted with the present chaotic state 
of the British Fauna. . 
The Plates which have been added to the present 
work, consist of figures relating exclusively to British 
animals. ‘They are not gaudy, but they are correct 
delineations from nature, for which he is indebted 
to the pencil of his wife. 
With regard to the style, it may be proper to 
mention, that brevity and perspicuity have been 
chiefly aimed at. That there are several errors in 
the composition is readily acknowledged. Those 
