9 



look upon tliem as entire strangers whom we do not 

 know or care to know. In reality there is no branch 

 of the natural kingdom which is more attractive than 

 any other, for they all have their individual wonders 

 and interesting features. Animals will be described 

 in a limited way, without undertaking to embrace 

 the quarter of those upon the earth. Some histories 

 and anecdotes connected with them v/ill be given. 

 These four divisions of creatures form the first part of 

 this book, while the last part is confined to those things 

 of interest and beauty which we find over the land that 

 are without life. The first divisions of this class in- 

 clude Natural Phenomenas and changes, such as Earth- 

 quakes, Volcanoes, Halos, Rainbows, and a number of 

 other occurrances, which when studied from their foun- 

 dation are truly wonderful beyond description. Rocks 

 and minerals are treated upon to a certain extent, also 

 the interior of the earth, and the many formations and 

 changes which have at various periods transpired. The 

 divisions of the Geological time are given, and the ages 

 which belong to them. The creatures which lived at 

 the different periods, and their appearances, will be al- 

 luded to. To enliven this work, scattered along among 

 its various subjects are short pieces of poetry in refer- 

 ence to what has been described before them. Mosb of 

 these are composed by the author, while a few are 

 gleaned from the works of distinguished poets. 



Much time, labor and care has been given to make 

 this little book attractive and interesting to the Nat- 

 uralist and the public generally. It is in particular 

 written as a friend and companion to those whose de- 

 light it is to stray away from the many cares which 



