In describing that portion of the system of Natural History which
embraces the VERTEBRAL ANIMALS,—namely, the Mammalia, the Birds, the
Reptiles, and the Fishes,—the arrangement of the BARON CUVIER was
adopted. In the present little volume, as well as in two others that
are to follow, and which, together, will comprise the INVERTEBRAL
ANIMALS, the method of M. LAMARCK will be adhered to. It is true, that,
since the works of that naturalist were published, many deviations
from certain parts of his system have taken place, some of which have
received the sanction of the highest names; but still, _as a whole_,
Lamarck’s System remains unrivalled, and the young naturalist can
readily add to the information it contains, by reference to the works
of more recent authors, in case he has sufficient inclination and
industry to follow out the subject.