PREFACE 



There are few more encouraging signs at the 

 present time than the widespread interest in 

 Nature Study. The age in which we Kve is an 

 intensely practical one. Whatever our calhng 

 may be, it is likely that the majority of us 

 spend most of our time in the keen pursuit of a 

 professional or business career. The crowded 

 days leave little space for that quiet reflection 

 in which alone the spirit can find refreshment. 

 It is surely, then, a matter for congratulation 

 that there is an increasing tendency to turn 

 to the satisfying joys which are waiting for 

 everyone who cares to take up the wonderful 

 book of Nature. Herein the tired man and 

 woman will find an enchanting story, old as the 

 earth itself, and yet ever fresh in its power to 

 charm away the dull cares of a workaday world. 

 In spite of the large number of Nature Study 

 books which are available at the present time, 

 there are still many subjects which have been 

 scarcely discussed from the ordinary person's 

 point of view. The important division popu- 



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