INTRODUCTION.

AMONG the numerous subjects that are continually issuing from the press, few are of greater utility than such as relate to Natural History—a science equally calculated to gratify a laudable curiosity, to afford an unfailing source of amusement, and to impress the mind with the most exalted ideas of that Divine Being, by whose eternal fiat the universe was brought into existence, and by whose infinite power and love, the lives of his creatures are preserved, and their wants abundantly supplied

To the junior classes of society (as well as to readers in general) the study of Animal History seems peculiarly adapted, as every branch of it is replete with instruction; and the contemplation of every object which it exhibits, tends to ameliorate the heart, to illumine the understanding, and insensibly to allure to further research and investigation.

In many instances, it must be acknowledged, this fascinating science has appeared under the most uninviting forms; and the Fair Sex, in particular, have been deterred from the perusal of volumes which were, in some parts, offensive to the eye of female modesty;

but in

\ the volume now under inspection, the most unremitting attention has been paid to obviate these objections; and the Editor can affirm, with conscious satisfaction, that the following pages are unsullied by a single sentance which might excite a blush, or contaminate, even in the slightest degree, the purest and most delicate mind.

The work now respectfully submitted a third, time to the public, though not professedly systematic in its arrangement, is divided into four distinct classes,-Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, and Serpents, Reptiles, and Insects; and each class is embellished with upwards of a Hundred beautiful engravings on wood, from designs of the most eminent Naturalists.

It only remains to add, that the usual descriptions of form, size, colour, &c. are given in as concise a manner as the work will admit of, including such accounts of the manners, habits, and modes of life, of the several classes of animal creation, as are most likely to attract the attention of the reader, and render the subject generally interesting and intructive.

J. M.