ADVERTISEMENT. 
Fiaving endeavoured to exp'ain the nature and extent of 
this undertaking, we fubmit the whole to the candour of 
the Public; and, though not inaifferent to the flattering 
teftimony of apprebaticn, it has received in the courfe of five 
years publication, we entreat indulgence for whatever may be 
raought exceptionable, either in the outline of our under- 
taking, the felection of fpecies, or the manner in which 
they are iluftrated. To our Subferibers, we fhall not 
prefume to addrefs any apclogy, as their opinion mult be 
already decided. The progreffive manner in which the 
work has appeared, has afforded every opportunity for cri- 
tical examination, for detecting error, or difcovering merit ; 
and, we truft, their continued patronage is fome criterion 
of their approbation, and of the general utility of our 
defign. 
SYSTEMATIC 
