PREFACE. 
M an, always curious and inquifidve, and ever defirous of 
addiao- to his ufeful knowledge; among other fources of 
amufeiiieut inftrudion, lis naturally led to contemplate and to 
enquire works of nature. He looks with grateful reverence 
upon thofe vaft families of created beings, which it has pleafed the 
Author of all things to place fubordinate to his wifdom and power: 
bo examines, with wonder, their formation, habits, and economy ; 
and hears, with delight, the narrations of thofe, who have fought 
natural curiofities of diftant countries. ^ 
That this beautiful and inviting ftudy may be facilitated ; and that 
the whole of the produdions and inhabitants of this our globe, may 
be arranged and conveniently' exhibited, fyftems have been invented, 
reducing them to their feveral kingdoms, claffes, tribes, families, and 
individuals ; with their names, habitations, manners, economy, and 
appearance! Thefe have enjoyed their various degrees of repute and 
excellence • but the amazing comprehenfion, learning and labour of 
the celebrated Sir Charles Linne, has produced a fyftem fo clear 
« a fo compendious and accurate, that the lover of Natural 
'■y may diredly difeover the name and the properties or whatever 
fubjeCf may fall in bis way, or he may chufe to inveftigate. 
In 
