s 



translation of the Systema J^atarce of Linneas, and from 

 other writers, on the different branches of the science; 

 by which the Naturalist will be enabled, on procuring 

 any species of Animal, &c. to find its place in the System. 



It may not be improperly urged in this place, that it 

 is not by merely accumulating a large mass of different 

 subjects, which may servb only to amuse the curious, or idle, 

 that this delightful study is advanced , l>vit it is by acquiring a 

 knowledge of the habits, the propensities, and tlie con- 

 nexions subsisting between the various subjects, that the 

 science acquires interest ; that there is a connected chain 

 in this grand plan of creation, is evident to every reflecting 

 mind, so much so, that the more we search into the depths 

 of the science, the more difficulty Ave find in pointing out 

 or determining where one class terminates, or another 

 commences; and this is not confined only to the minute 

 parts of the creation ; but we find it strongly pointed out 

 in the Mammiferous Class of Animals : thus for instance^ 

 the whole order Cete^ is composed of Animals, which 

 from the nature of the element in which they reside, and 

 from their exterior conformation, have been most generally 

 accounted as Fishes ; but on a closer examination we 

 find they possess, or are endued with all the properties 

 of Quadrupeds, except the power of existing out of 

 water ; and that though Fishes in appearance, they possess 

 nothing in common with that class, but the power of living 

 in water. In other departments we find it difficult 

 to say, whether many of the marine productions belong 

 to the Animal, or Vegetable tribes. It is a well known 

 fact, that we find some plants endued with the power 



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