2 



It will be sufficient for our present purpose, to give a 

 brief outline of this extensive field, just sufficient indications 

 by •which the observing mind may be led to contemplate 

 and investigate the particular subjects in detail j and whilst 

 •we slightly glance at the various objects composing this 

 vast science, it will be, not only to shew the paths already 

 trodden, but to point out, where fresh scenes are likely 

 to open to the view of the practical Naturalist, and which 

 will in all probability amply repay him for investigating. 



A continued series of causes and effects will appear to 

 the observer, in every branch and family of organized 

 beings, such an existing connection between the different 

 parts of this vast machine, that we may reasonably con- 

 clude, that Nature's works are each rendered subservient to 

 the general good and prosperity of the -whole. 



Natural History has been divided into three grand or 

 primary kingdoms, the Animal, the Vegetable, and the 

 Mineral; these are again subdivided, the first into six 

 Classes ; Mammalia, or Animals that give suck ; Aves, or 

 Birds; Amphibia, or Reptiles; Pisces, or Fishes; 

 InsectAj or Insects ; Vermes, or Worms. Each of the 

 classes is again seperated into orders, and these orders 

 into genera or particular families. The other kingdoms 

 have been divided in a similar ■way, as will be seen 

 under their respective heads. 



To render this little volume generally useful, the 

 author has prefixed to the several divisions the essential 

 characters of each particular order, and likewise the generic 

 characters of the different families, from Dr. Turton's 



