INTRODUCTION. 
XTl 
which in ceafelefs revolutions turns its convexities to and froin 
the fun, caufing thereby a perpetual fucceffion of day and night, 
fummer and winter, and thefe migrators will be feen to follow 
its courfe, and to traverfe both hemifpheres from pole to pole. 
To thofe, who, contemplating this world of wonders, extend their 
views beyond the common gropings of mankind, it will appear, 
that Nature, ever provident that no part of her empire Ihould 
be unoccupied, has peopled it with creatures of various kinds, 
and filled every corner of it with animation. To follow her into 
all her recefles would be an endlefs taflc ; but fo far as thefe have 
been explored, every ftep is marked with pleafantnefs : and 
while the refledling mind, habituated to move in its proper 
fphere, breaks through the trammels of pride, and removes the 
film of ignorance, it foars with clearer views towards perfeftion, 
and adores that Infinite Wifdom which appointed and governs 
the unerring courfe of all things. 
“ Thus the men, 
“ Whom Nature’s works can charm, with God himself 
** Hold converse ; grow familiar day by day 
“ With his conceptions ; a(St upon his plan, 
“ And form to his the relish of their souls.” 
Akensides Pleasures of Imagination^ Book 3, U 63Q. 
