PREFACE. ix 



Latin Synopsis of tlie species, I have to tliank my friend 

 the Rev. Thomas Riddell, A. M. Vicar of Masham in 

 Yorkshire. 



And now methinks this preface cannot be concluded bet- 

 ter than by a translation of the passage from Aristotle which 

 has been chosen for my motto : — 



" We now proceed to speak of the nature of animals, not willingly 

 omitting any part, however mean it may appear : for though many 

 things among them have no charms for the bodily senses, yet notwith- 

 standing even there creative Natiu^e has unspeakable delights in store 

 for those philosophic minds which can investigate and distinguish the 

 causes of their formation. For it would be a strange paradox that we 

 should find pleasure in viewing their figured representations, because we 

 then contemplate the creative art of the painter or sculptor, and should 

 not be still more gratified with the consideration of the natural configu- 

 rations themselves, especially when we are able to perceive their causes. 

 Therefore we must not be ofiended childishly v/ith the examination of 

 those animals which are held in no honour, for in allnatural objects there 

 is somewhat worthy of admiration : and like as it is related of Heraclitus, 

 that he accosted some strangers who came to visit him,but who stopped 

 short, when as they approached, they saw him warming himself at an 

 oven — •' come in boldly,' said he, ' for here also are the Gods' — so must 

 we enter on the investigation of each individual animal without any feel- 

 ings of disgust, inasmuch as in every one some beautiful provision of Na- 

 ture exists. For that nothing is by chance, but for some end, is the 

 character of all the works of Nature : and the fitness of each part to the 

 end for which it is designed occupies the place, and is entitled to the 

 name, of Beauty." 



