INTRODUCTION. XXXIX 
The physical sciences have a strong tendency to 
arrest the attention of the youthful mind, being 
replete with striking phenomena; and, in mature 
years, few can pursue the study of Nature without 
acquiring an ardent zeal for the extension of their 
knowledge. The varied forms which daily present 
themselves to the inquiring eye, give the mind a 
strong bias for observation and reflection. Hence the 
utility of introducing natural history as a preliminary 
branch of education ; and it would he well if people 
of rank and fortune would see the importance of 
instilling a love of the natural sciences into the in- 
fant minds of their offspring, when they are yet 
alive to the influence of early impressions. They 
might thus be preserved from those ignoble pursuits 
which are the too general concomitants of wealth 
and rank. 
