8- 



to be little regarded, and they are oftentimes less prized, 

 than those beyond our reach : to facilitate the endeavours 

 and assist the views of such, it has been the endeavour of 

 the author to condense as much useful and practical in- 

 formation on the various subjects as was consistent with 

 the proposed object, by pointing out the prop?r or most 

 successful modes to be pursued in attaining a knowledge 

 of the different subjects of Natural History, (foreign as 

 well as native,) and of preserving the subjects when attained ; 

 and should the following pages be found to contain in- 

 formation useful to the practical Naturalist, or the Phi- 

 lanthropic Traveler, the object of the author, that of 

 rendering himself useful in his humble sphere will be 

 attained* 



As the object of the Naturalist 5s not only to gain 

 ft personal knowledge of the different subjects of the 

 science, but also to gain an insight into the habits, the 

 economy, and usefulness (as applied to mankind) of the 

 Tarious species he may meet with, it may not be here in- 

 appropiiately remarked, that every occurrence should be 

 noted down as soon as possible after the observation has 

 been made, as when the mind is continually on the search 

 for fresh amusement, each succeeding object chases from 

 the remembrance (at least for the time being) the oc- 

 currence which so lately excited our admiration and 

 wonder; or as the poet most elegantly expresses 



" Some lovelier wonder soon usurps its place. 

 Chased by a charm s^ill lovelier than the last." 



Nothing contributes more to ease the mind, and render 

 eyen our thoughts subservient, than method ; it should be the 



