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DEDICATION.

TO

JAMES FORBES, ESQ.

FELLOW OF THE ROYAL AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETIES OF LONDON, AND MEMBER OF THE ARCADIAN SOCIETY AT ROME.

IF I was asked what were my motives for dedicating this little Work to you, my very dear relative, and early friend, I could only reply, that I am anxious to pay some lasting tribute of respect to the character of one who has contributed, more than any of my own particular friends, to the encourage

ment, and progress, of those delightful pursuits which have filled up many of the happiest hours of my life, and whose interests this little Essay is intended to ad

vance.

It is not to proclaim virtues which have long been known and felt through a widely extended circle of society;-it is not to panegyrize talents that have already secured a large portion of public regard; nor is it for any base purpose of flattery, that I approach you with this little offering;-no!

I have inscribed this volume to your name, because I am acquainted with no one who is better able to appreciate the value of the doctrines it would inculcate;with no one who is more solicitous for the general cultivation and improvement of the study of Natural History in this country ;and with no one who is more sincere, hum

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