iV PREFACE. 



to render the work acceptable to general readers, by 

 devoting a large portion of it to lively and entertaining 

 sketches of the habits and instincts of animals ; and we 

 have been indebted to a large number of books of 

 travels, for many illustrative traits. 



It has been remarked by an elegant writer, that "the 

 pursuit of Natural History in almost any way, as a study 

 or an amusement, is both indicative and productive of gen- 

 tleness, refinement, and virtue." This we beheve to be 

 strictly true, and if the present volume shall be instrumen- 

 tal in diffusing a taste for knowledge, the influence of 

 which is so salutary, we shall deem the labor bestowed 

 upon the compilation as abundantly rewarded. 



