particular circle of society, by the display of your fine talents, and the exercise of your many rare virtues, is the ardent wish, and the sincere prayer, of

Your affectionate Nephew,

CHARLES FOTHERGILL.

PREFACE.

As the following Essay does not contain so complete a dissertation on the subject as some persons might be inclined to expect from the title, it is necessary to state the reasons which have induced me to publish it under the disadvantage of conscious imperfections.

Having been engaged for many years in studies connected with the Natural History, and especially with the Zoology, of Great Britain; I lately quitted my retirement in the country, for a temporary residence in London, in order to arrange the numerous papers, containing the results of my researches on these subjects, for

publication; previous to my departure from England on a distant voyage.

Finding a number of anecdotes and remarks amongst these manuscripts tending to illustrate some important truths in Natural Philosophy, and to develope many of those secret and mysterious laws by which some parts of the animal creation are governed, that could not be introduced with propriety into any of the series of works I am at present engaged in preparing for the press *, but which I conceived to be of too

* The works alluded to, are some undertakings of considerable magnitude, which have occupied the attention of the author for several years. They will form publications entirely independent of each other, though the whole are composed of materials originally intended for one great work; the design of which has been abandoned through necessity, rather than inclination. That which is at present in the state of most forwardness, is entitled "Memoirs and Illustrations of British Zoology," containing the result of personal research into the lives, economy, and uses, of such genera and species of animals as are the least known or understood throughout

much importance to be entirely thrown aside, I resolved to give them publicity in the present form, in the hope that they might not only have the effect of stimulating others to engage in researches that merit the highest estimation, and which are not less delightful to the inquirer than they are important to society; but that they might haply engage persons more able than myself to pursue those curious and peculiar speculations, on the nature of animals, to which it will be found I have so frequently alluded, to that complete and successful developement I am persuaded they must finally attain, if the necessary talents, application, and ardour of research, are employed in the service.

England, Scotland, and Wales; illustrated by the most accurate representations of many rare subjects, not hitherto figured in any work extant. The second will comprehend a general view of the "Northern Isles of Britain," both as to their natural advantages, and political consequence. And the third will contain, "Collections made towards the Natural and Civil History of Yorkshire."