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INTRODUCTION. 
The great need of a good illustrated work to guide 
young naturalists in collecting and preserving objects of 
natural history has induced me to prepare the present 
Manual. In this attempt I hope I have been in some 
degree successful. I have spared no pains to bring to- 
gether, in a comprehensive form, the results of many years 
of experience in collecting and preserving objects of natu- 
ral history, both for private cabinets and for scientific 
museums. 
No popular work of this kind has before been published 
in America. Throughout the present work I have endeav- 
ored to encourage the young to engage in the ennobling 
study of Natural History, and to join the band of young 
naturalists so rapidly increasing in our land. 
I trust the reader will not by any means keep the teach- 
ings of this book secret, as some taxidermists are wont to 
counsel, but spread it broadcast among those who would 
profit by the information I have herein attempted to con- 
vey. It is intended for the Naturalist, whoever and 
wherever he may be ; and as it comes from a colaborer in 
the common field, it will, perhaps, be well received. 
