PREFACE. 
XV. 
to arrogance if I presumed to write that much respecting 
it which I happened to know. I have on the same ground 
of objection avoided meddling with the Natural History 
of the south-eastern district, a work having been given to 
the public on the productions of that neighbourhood, f and 
being disinclined to an invasion of other men’s territories 
to pilfer their properties; where however it was essential 
to my plan to complete the list of a series of animals, 
or to judge of a circumstance through the analogy of 
adjoining localities I have with due acknowledgment drawn 
my information from that source, in the same manner as 
I have found it expedient to consult the contents of those 
books which treat of the productions of neighbouring 
counties. ^ 
My further object has been, besides giving the work 
chiefly as the result of my own experience and research, 
to make the bulk of my remarks act not simply as local 
information but as the means of connecting local informa¬ 
tion to the great body of existing science, so that local 
and general science may at once be conjointly benefitted 
by reflecting on each other mutual lights. General science 
is indeed made up of scattered fragments of local knowledge, 
and as I have kept in view the interests of the former, it 
is my hope that this book will be suitable to general 
reading, besides interesting those who have local attach¬ 
ments.—It will but seldom be found, that where it was 
practicable to connect a fact to present systematized or 
f Turton’s and Kingston’s Natural History of Torquay, Dawlisli, 
and Teignmouth,—a volume of “ Guide to the Watering Places.” 
+ Dorset Catalogue of Birds, Shells &c. Couch’s Cornish 
Fauna, &c. 
