PREFACE. IX 



deavoured to see in perspective ; and has been undertaken chiefly 

 fioin an ambition of giving to the country a production on a science 

 connected with its highest interests, which may claim to be consid- 

 ered a national work. 



With these views the first volume is now offered to the public, 

 and is tendered as a small contribution to the general stock of na- 

 tural history ; as well as an earnest of what may be done in the fu- 

 ture prosecution of the enterprize, by a patronage commensurate 

 with the importance of the object. This it is confidently believed 

 will not be withheld, provided the present volume affords a sufficient 

 degree of ability to ensure confidence. 



vol. i. 



