X PREFACE. 



azure vault — the streams, forests and mountains, of how much 

 interest would all this spacious landscape be devested, if not ani- 

 mated with those emblems of joy and love with which a benevo- 

 lent Deity hath benefited and adorned our sphere ! Then whilst 

 the breezes of May waft to our delighted ears the melody of the 

 groves, let our praises ascend to the God of Nature for having 

 infused into our hearts a relish of those pure pleasures which arise 

 from the contemplation of his works; and for having endued those 

 extraordinary individuals, who have led the way in these studies, 

 with talents and zeal which have entitled them to the noble deno- 

 mination of Benefactors of the human race. 



The study of philosophy, particularly that of natural history, 

 has been considered by the wise and good of all polite ages, as 

 not only an elegant recreation, but as contributing greatly to the 

 strengthening of the faculties, and the improving of the heart. 

 " The contemplative hours,^^ says the amiable Cicero to his friend 

 Varro, " which you spend at your Tusculan villa, are, in my es- 

 timation indeed, what alone deserve to be called life : and I would 

 willingly renounce the whole wealth and splendor of the world, to 

 be at liberty to pass my time in the same philosophical manner.'' 

 It is in truth the most noble characteristic of philosophy, to be 

 superior to external accidents, and to depend for happiness on 

 ourselves alone. It offers a calm retreat from the cares and the 

 sorrows of life, where the clamor of party dissentions can never 

 reach, and where an oblivion may be found of the injustice and 

 the wickedness of mankind. If we cast our eyes on the world, 

 and witness the result of the various passions which influence the 



