INTRODUCTION. 
XIX 
such minute dissection. And although in these descriptions internal structure is not really 
entered into, except in cases which are visible by simple observation under a microscope, neces- 
sary allusions to it have been occasionally made,* which seem to render it desirable to add a few 
hints upon the art of making durchschnitts properly. These, therefore, are appended to the 
Kules for Preserving and Laying out Sea-weeds, so that beginners may be at no loss how to 
proceed in either of these matters. 
In conclusion, it is quite possible that the students who read this book may, from time to 
time, and here and there, find imperfections in the accounts, or think of some happier way or 
words in which the meaning might have been expressed — I could probably do so myself were 
the printing to recommence. But of one thing they may rest assured, — the work has been in the 
strictest sense a labour of love. It is scarcely too much to say, that in all the 384 descriptions 
there is not a line of mere heartless copying or scissor-work. In all cases, my endeavour has 
been to understand the scientific statements myself before attempting to make them com- 
prehensible to others. The labour of love, therefore, has also been conscientiously performed ; 
and if those who have improvements to suggest will insert them in their own copies, and make 
them known to their friends, further assistance will be gained towards the clearing and really 
popularising one of the most charming studies which, in the goodness of God, this wonderful 
earth affords to its inhabitants. Only let natural history be pursued with the “ reverence” on 
which our great poet insists, so that we may not become conceited with our beautiful but 
imperfect “ broken lights,” and we shall find in it a fountain of perpetual enjoyment, and a 
resource against thousands of the lesser and often foolish disturbances of life, which otherwise 
are so apt to lay too keen a hold upon the mind, especially of those who lead quiet, uneventful 
lives. What saith the Book of Wisdom ? ‘‘ By the greatness and beauty of the creatures, 
proportionably the Maker of them is seen ; ” and to dwell on Him in the glory of His works 
here, is beginning to do in a lesser degree now what we hope to do in the full perfection of 
knowledge hereafter. 
As in the characteristics of Family XIV., Squamarics, &c. 
