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ADVERTISEMENT 
Tue study of Natural History has become so extensive as to 
cail for a great multiplication of books upon the subject. A few 
years ago, the translation of Buffon, which appeared under the title 
of ‘‘ Goldsmith’s Animated Nature,’’ was almost the only work in 
popular use. Even when its utter want of accuracy and adaptation 
to the improved state of science, was generally known, it still con- 
tinued to be reprinted, and was probably the instrument of dissemi- 
nating nearly as much error as truth. 
But within a short period, several excellent works have appeared 
in Europe, combining in a good degree, popular and pleasing 
descriptions of animals, with scientific accuracy. In the present 
volume, an attempt has been made to compile from these a more 
complete and comprehensive body of popular and scientific Zoology 
than has heretofore appeared, in any form accessible to common 
readers. 
This work is arranged according to the classification of Stark, 
which is based upon that of Cuvier. Although it embraces scientific 
names and descriptions, yet these are made to occupy as little 
compass as possible, and are placed at the foot of the pages in the 
form of notes. The subject of Zoology is one of great utility, and 
should be extensively read. The grand object has been 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 a large number of books of travels, have been 
surned over in search of their illustrative traits. 
The original compiler having made arrangements to depart fox 
Europe, the manuscript was submitted to the present Editor, who 
is responsible for the accuracy of the press, for the correctness of 
the facts selected, and for their arrangement according to the system 
proposed. The work is now submitted to the public, and though 
as a systematic work it may not be entirely such as might be 
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