PREFACE. XXUl 



rest of this performance ; but the reader 

 may judge of the extent of our plan, by 

 the following heads : the character of the 

 genus shall first be mentioned ; then the 

 specific name ; the synonyms from differ- 

 ent authors ; and the genera in which 

 those authors have placed the animal. 

 The names shall be given in several Euro^ 

 pea7i languages ; * and we shall conclude 

 with a brief, but sufficient description, 

 adding, at the same time, the various uses, 

 and natural history, of each individual. 



If this plan succeeds, in promoting the 

 knowlege of nature in this kingdom, we 

 shall think ourselves amply rewarded. 

 Could our exhortations avail, we should 

 recommend this study most earnestly to 

 every country gentleman. To those of 



* In the ornithology the European names are prefixed 

 to the author referred to in the synonyms, 



Italian to Aldrovand, Ohna, or Zinanni. 



French Brisson, or de BufFon. 



German Gesner, or Kramer. i 



Swedish the Fauna Suecica. 



Danish and Norwegian Brunnich. 



Carniolan Scopoli. ..;;.■ .'v .j 



