THE 



WORLD OF ANIMAL LIFE 



HOW ANIMALS ARE CLASSIFIED 



In this opening chapter we shall learn something about the 

 Classification of Animals; or, in other words, about the way in 

 which animals are arranged by men of science. 



Now, perhaps you will think that this is a very dull and 

 dry subject, and that it cannot be of interest to those who know 

 nothing about it. But in reality it is not dull at all. Indeed, 

 it is almost as interesting to find out how different animals are 

 related to one another, as it is to learn about their ways and habits; 

 for in doing so we are led to examine their bodily frames, and 

 to notice how wonderfully every part is suited to the life which 

 the animals have to lead. 



Some of us may think that it cannot be necessary to know 

 anything about this subject, and that anyone who is really fond 

 of animals can study them quite well, without understanding their 

 natural arrangement. But this, as we shall presently see, is a 

 great mistake. 



Suppose that a general were placed in command of a large 

 army, and found that his men, instead of being divided into 

 " brigades ", and " regiments ", and " companies ", were dressed in 

 all kinds of uniforms, and mingled together in one great crowd, 

 without any order or division into smaller bodies. In this con- 

 dition he would be unable to lead them to battle; and the very 

 first necessity would be to reduce this vast body of men to order 



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