PREFACE. 9 
directed his attention. He indulges the hope that he may at least have 
cleared the way for others to follow, in a field where the difficulties are 
undeniably great, but where the rewards to an earnest seeker 
The __ after Nature’s secret ways are abundant. They are had not only 
eee in the gratification of such pleasant toil, and in the conscious- 
orks. > : 
ness of having added to human knowledge and enjoyment, but 
in the higher satisfaction of having contributed somewhat to man’s knowl- 
edge of the works of his Creator. 
The author would count himself faithless to truth as well as to duty 
were he not to add that the last named consideration has been to him a 
continuous stimulus and support. He believes thoroughly in 
Author's that view of Divine Providence taught him by beloved parents 
ee. in his childhood which makes it to be God’s “most wise and 
powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all 
their actions.” The smallest creatures and the lowliest adventures of their 
humble lives are within the care of the Good Father of all, the Lord of 
spiders as well as the God of men. To bring all knowledge uncovered 
from the secret places of the natural world, and lay it devoutly before the 
world’s Creator as a tribute of worship and a token of spiritual fellowship, 
has been the chief motive which has urged the author to, has guided him 
through, and sustained him in, this work of twenty years, now happily 
ended. 
H. C. McC. 
Tur Mansr, 
PriwapeteuiA, Jury 3d, A. D. 1894. 
