TO THE 
MEMBERS OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY 
OF DEVON AND CORNWALL. 
In originating the Society we conjointly form, I had in 
view our common interests as students of the natural 
beauties which in these counties so abundantly surround 
us, — convinced, as every one must be who deliberates on 
the question, that combination is the shortest and best way 
of attaining to extensive knowledge, and of securing us 
individually from those narrowed and selfish views which 
solitude in research engenders. I was not unmindful also 
that by promoting this union the best advantages might 
accrue to us as citizens of the world,—bound to cultivate 
the social virtues by interchange of thought, and to sow 
the seeds of a future harvest in the soil of things temporal. 
I cannot hesitate to believe that these prospects will 
0 
gradually receive their realizations in proportion as we 
continue in the path which tends to the only real and 
useful learning, and to the promotion of our moral benefits. 
Since the period of the institution of our Society, I ha ve 
been occupied, so far as circumstances the most inimical 
to thought and judicious composition suffered me, in the 
compilation of the present work, which, with a distrust of 
myself far greater than the kindest critic will give me 
credit for, I yet presume—through a hope that it may be 
in some measure useful—to dedicate to you, together with 
my best wishes for a continued appreciation of those un¬ 
equalled opportunities around us, which has been already 
so strongly and so happily evinced. 
J. C. B. 
