NATURAL HISTORY. 
sessed of, in elucidation of the subjects; our great aim 
being to present such a history of our different native ani- 
mals, as may amuse whilst it instructs, and tend to invite 
our readers to closer and more minute investigations. 
With these views we have undertaken the present 
work ; how far the execution may merit the approbation of 
the public, we leave the candid and judicious to decide. 
In the formation of plans, the general and the statesman, 
the author and the artist, are apt to rely too much on their 
own powers and the fortuitous concurrence of favourable 
circumstances. That which displayed elegance and splen- 
dour, when it existed only in idea, but too often becomes 
mean and uncouth when brought into real existence. 
THE EDITORS. 
