INTRODUCTION. 
The personal interests of man are much mixed 
up with, and dependant on the animal creation 
with which he is surrounded. And beside those 
which contribute to our wealth or conveniency, 
there are others of scarcely less interest, that 
attend the motions of the peasant, and meet the 
philosopher in his most retired walks ; so that as 
all ranks of men are compelled to notice them, 
all are in some degree acquainted with their habits 
and history. 
But the contemplative mind seeks after the 
possession of more knowledge than can be ob- 
tained under ordinary opportunities, whilst the 
delight increases with the acquisition : the works 
of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that 
have pleasure therein ; and as there is none so 
pleasing, so there is no amusement so innocent 
as the study of Natural History. 
But it is not only, nor even chiefly, as an 
amusement, that this subject claims our attention. 
The differences that exist in the forms of the 
various orders of animal beings — so well titled 
to their various modes of life, direct us to the 
contemplation of the wisdom that formed them, 
and of the goodness which has placed within 
their reach the objects suited to their organs 
and happiness. 
