VI 
Preface . 
authors in order to trace the origin of some fable or myth, 
and to modern writers when they explain or correct an 
erroneous impression. 
As Mrs. Cowden Clarke’s Concordance renders refer¬ 
ence to Shakspeare’s pages so easy, I have thought it 
unnecessary to increase the size of the volume by numerous 
passages from his works. The text of the “ Globe ” 
edition is that from which I have quoted. 
Relinquishing all claim to originality, I have given, 
in most cases, the actual words of the authors quoted, in 
preference to incorporating their facts and ideas into the 
body of the book. I trust that the advantage of being 
able to refer to the’ original sources will compensate the 
reader for the tiresome interruptions that constant quota¬ 
tion entails. The quaint phrases employed by many 
of the early writers seem also to harmonize with the 
antiquarian nature of the subject. 
In consequence of the charming indifference displayed 
by older writers on natural history to the necessity for 
any system of animate nature, I have followed the modern 
classification of the animal kingdom, although I have 
purposely avoided introducing scientific nomenclature. 
The plan of arrangement is that adopted by Dr. Percival 
Wright, in his recent work, Animal Life . 
I must express my thanks to Mr. F. J. Eurnivall, Dr. 
Brinsley Nicholson, Dr. J. E. Shaw and other friends, 
who have kindly assisted me in various ways; and, in 
conclusion, I may add that I shall be much indebted to 
any reader who will point out mistakes or give me 
suggestions for a future edition. 
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Upper Baker Street, N. W. 
