VIU PREFACE. 



In the translation of the Work, it has been an object to 

 preserve, as far as possible, that originality which adds so 

 much to the power of a book; and for this reason the 

 allusions to French customs and manners have been left 

 untouched. Wherever practicable, the plants and other ob- 

 jects of natural history have been designated by their English 

 titles ; but, as many of them are not British, their French 

 names have necessarily been retained. 



In order to make the present volume more worthy of the 

 public notice, it has been copiously illustrated with Wood- 

 cuts by William Haevet, and the Brothers Dalziel. 



Mekton College, 

 Dec. 1854. 



