{•it.) 



to the improvement of the world, rather than let his works lie 

 ufelefs, and perhaps be deftroy'd at laft by fome linifter acci- 

 dent. 



The Firft Part of this prefent work has had the happinefs to 

 receive the approbation of the public, even to a greater degree 

 than I think it defer ves : but whether the Second Part will meet 

 with the fame favour and indulgence, time will difcover. * 



However, it has been my intention to render this part as in- 

 ftrucliive and entertaining as the former ; and I prefume it is 

 more worthy of our notice, as the fubjecl:, namely, the animal 

 creation, is of more importance than the inanimate and vege- 

 tative. 



In the firft feven chapters I have treated of Quadrupeds, 

 Snakes, Infecfo, Birds, and Fifties, efpecially thofe that are pe- 

 culiar to Norway. I flatter myfelf that thofe who can take a 

 pleafure in contemplating the admirable ceconomy and contri- 

 vance of the great Creator with regard to the brute creation, 

 will find fo many glaring inftances of his confummate wifdom, 

 paternal care, and almighty power, that he will be ready to fay, 

 with the wife fon of Sirach, " Great is the Lord that made it.'* 

 Eccluf viii. 5. 



The eighth chapter, which treats of the Norvegian Sea- 

 monfters, or thofe Animals of enormous fize and uncommon 

 form, which are fometimes feen in the ocean, may contribute as 

 much to this good end as any of the preceding. 



I have endeavoured as much as poffible to avoid the imputa- 

 tion of being over credulous, and, upon that account, often de- 

 cline giving my opinion of fome relations, the credit of which I 

 have no reafbn to doubt. I mention this, becaufe I forefee that 

 when fome readers come to read the contents of the eighth chap- 

 ter, concerning the Mer-maid, the great Sea-fnake, of feveral 

 hundred feet long, and the Krake, whofe uncommon fize feems 

 to exceed belief, they may fufpecl: me of too much credulity. 

 If it fhould fo happsn, I am content patiently to fubmit to 

 their cenfure, till they have read the chapter through, and 

 then I flatter myfelf that I fhall have no need of an apology. 



Since 



