2 DIFFICULTIES OF OBSERVERS. 



Many would like to read, but cannot do so ; and it 

 is in order to help such, to bring before them the 

 first alphabetical teaching, that the following pages 

 are written. 



It is no matter of marvel that many an observant 

 person becomes bewildered among natural objects ; 

 that he is lost amid the variety of animal, vegetable, 

 and mineral life in which he lives ; and that, after 

 vainly attempting to comprehend some simple ob- 

 ject, he finds himself baffled, and so in despair 

 ceases to inquire into particulars, and contents him- 

 self with admiration of and love for nature in 

 general. 



Objects change so rapidly and so constantly, that 

 there is hardly time to note a few remarks before the 

 season has passed away ; the object under exami- 

 nation has changed with it, and a year must elapse 

 before that investigation can be continued. 



From experience I know how valuable are even a 

 few hints by which the mind can be directed in a 

 straight course without wasting its strength and 

 losing its time by devious wanderings. Only hints 

 can be given, for the limits of the volume forbid any 

 lengthened discussion of single objects ; and, be- 

 sides, the mind is more pleased to work out a subject 

 according to its own individuality than to have it 

 laid down as completed, and to be forbidden to go 

 any further. 



Almost every object that is described by the pen 



