PREFACE. 



It has long been admitted that there are few 

 studies better calculated to expand the mind, 

 and gratify a laudable thirst after knowledge, 

 than the study of Natural History ; and, taking 

 it for granted that all knowledge is pleasure, as 

 well as power, it necessarily follows that the 

 pleasure derived, and the power obtained, will 

 be in direct proportion to the labour bestowed. 



"Whilst various other branches of science are 

 cultivated to improve the reasoning faculties of 

 the mind, their influence on the heart and affec- 

 tions are comparatively feeble. 



Natural History has a different effect, and 

 may be said to improve and humanise the 



