IV INTRODUCTION. 



This variety of structure also is effected by sim- 

 ply varying the primitive type of the parts, which 

 are thus made capable of fulfilling a vast variety 

 of intentions, according to the residence of the 

 creatures within or on the earth, the sea or air : 

 whilst the gradations of form and intellect in the 

 different classes, with the evident analogies of 

 at least many of the races to each order, and 

 the light which the variety of structure in the 

 organs of the higher animals is calculated to 

 throw on the functions of correspondent parts 

 in the human body, are all matters of deep 

 philosophic interest ; and whilst they show that 

 the creative power of nature is one, claim for 

 the study of his works a place amidst the highest 

 branches of science. 



For the same reason that the subject is gene- 

 rally interesting, that part of it which relates to 

 the creatures of our own country must be more 

 especially so ; and it is only when our curiosity 

 in this respect is in some degree satisfied, that 

 we direct a minute attention to those of distant 

 countries. 



And this indeed must be considered as the 

 proper course of study, even with those who 

 seek the most extended information, or who 

 desire to add by discovery to our present stock 

 of knowledge. With regard to the former, the 

 structure, peculiarities and habits of life, of the 

 creatures of our own neighbourhood, will serve 

 as the best foundation on which to build the edi- 

 fice of general learning, and as subjects of com- 

 parison by which we are able more readily to 

 understand the description and history of those 

 of which the accounts reach us only in books; 

 and for the latter, many who have no opportunity 

 of pursuing enquiries in distant regions, may still 

 be able to notice things that have been overlook- 

 ed by others ; and so far at least, is the science 



