In making a selection of anecdotes, those have been assembled which were
supplied by me to other works, and in most instances have received
considerable amplification; others have been given which never before
were printed--perhaps not even written; while all which have been
transferred from other pages to mine have received the stamp of
authenticity. Besides those whose names are already mentioned, I have to
thank several friends who have drawn from their private stores for my
advantage, and thus enabled me to offer much that is perfectly new.
* * * * *
Dry details of science and classification have been laid aside, but a
certain order has been kept to avoid confusion; and, although endeavours
have been made to throw as much interest as possible over these
recorded habits and actions of the brute creation; I love the latter too
well to raise a doubt by one word of embellishment, even if I did not
abstain from principle.
* * * * *
The intentions with which this work was commenced have not been carried
out, inasmuch as materials have crowded upon me beyond all calculation;
and, although a large portion has been rejected, the anecdotes related
go no farther than the Mammalia, while almost all animals were to have
been included.
* * * * *
With regard to the remaining orders--if the present work should meet
with a favourable reception, I shall hope next year to present the
public with touching and amusing proofs of the sagacity and dispositions
of birds, and of "hair-breadth scapes" from reptiles, etc., some of
which will, like those in the present volume, be carefully selected from
the works of travellers, from the resources of friends, and from my own
experience.
* * * * *
To the pleasing task of enlightening those, who, shut up in close
cities, have no opportunity of observing for themselves, and to the
still higher enjoyment of directing young minds to an elevating pursuit,
the naturalist adds a gratification even better than all, by making
known the hidden wonders of nature; and leaving to those who delight in
argument, the ever unsolved question of where instinct ends and reason
begins, he sets forth the love of the great Creator towards all His
creatures, and the ways He takes to show His wisdom.