IV 
PREFACE. 
Natural History is a study by itself — a 
delightful study — a study which, for general in- 
formation, requires neither extraordinary pow- 
ers of understanding nor profound thought ; 
but merely eyes to see and a heart to feel. 
It may be equally relished by persons of all 
ages, of all capacities, of all degrees of in- 
tellectual cultivation. None can rise from it 
W'ithout being deeply impressed with the wis- 
dom, the providence, and the bounty of that 
Maker, who has so wonderfully adapted all 
his creatures to the circumstances in which 
they are placed ; neither can any be so obdu- 
rate as not to derive from it an increased 
kindliness and sympathy towards fellow-beings, 
which, though denied the inestimable gift of 
reason, are manifestly the work of the same 
Almighty hand as himself. 
All, however, cannot enjoy the advantages 
of ocular examination. To many it is for- 
bidden by distance and other causes. For 
