X 
INTRODUCTION. 
difficulty is made by the plain and perspicuous language 
employed by a writer, the lower will he who has solved 
it sink in their estimation, as one who has taken trouble 
for so small an apparent effect. But if science has to 
do with facts, my work, as any one may prove for 
himself, may justly lay claim to a more scientific cha¬ 
racter than appertains to many that have preceded them. 
In writing for one’s own countrymen, words and lan¬ 
guage need not be employed, the sole effect of which 
will be to conceal the meaning professedly intended to 
be conveyed. It is only those who are more or less 
ignorant themselves that think nothing can be considered 
scientific which is not couched in language beyond the 
comprehension of the readers whom it ought to be its 
object to enlighten: they who are wiser will be content 
to convey information in words that may be at once 
and readily “ understanded of the people.” I, for my 
part, have sought to elucidate rather than to mystify, 
and to make others sharers in what knowledge I myself 
have been favoured with the possession of, rather than 
to set up a pretence to undue importance by a vain 
display. I have accordingly adapted my style and lan¬ 
guage to the comprehension of all, translating every¬ 
where when necessary, having no wish to parade difficult 
scientific terms at the expense of my readers. 
As to the general plan of the work, while giving the 
Latin names of the several species, I have preserved all 
the common English ones for those who, like myself, 
will ever take a pleasure in them. That is a praise¬ 
worthy rather than a censurable feeling which makes the 
inhabitants at large of our villages and towns cling to the 
country names of the natural objects around them. It 
is a feeling which I for one would altogether encourage 
rather than at all despise. I know, at the same time, 
