PREFACE. xiii 



made in the field for investigation to be found in 

 comparing the homes and habits of birds and beasts 

 with those of human beings. 



A novel feature in the presant volume is the 

 number of engravings it contains which are unnoticed 

 in the letterpress. The purpose of their introduction 

 is not alone to render the book more attractive, but, if 

 possible, to extend its use beyond its text. The inten- 

 tion is that these additional drawings, the subject of 

 each of which has been carefully selected on account 

 of some special feature of interest it possesses, shall 

 be instrumental in introduciag the pupil into new 

 and delightful fields of research. It is suggested, as 

 an exercise of considerable value and utility, that the 

 young student shall be required to embody the results 

 of his investigations in written or oral accounts of the 

 subjects illustrated, giving in every case special atten- 

 tion to details rather than generalizations, and to the 

 habits and manner of life of the creature described 

 rather than the place it occupies in the more or less 

 artificial systems of naturalists. 



J. Caetee Beaed. 



July, 1897. 



