The author of the following book avails himself of the opportunity
afforded by its publication, to address a word to those who sustain the
delightful and responsible relation of parents.
To such of that class as may honour by a perusal this humble attempt
to interest and instruct their offspring, the author need not say that
the subject of his book possesses for himself peculiar attractions: it
will readily be perceived that he has found a charm in the pursuits of
the naturalist. The votary of a favourite science would anticipate too
much, should he expect every one to partake of the enthusiasm which is
apt to stimulate him; it is wisely and kindly ordered that we shall
not all be enthusiasts in the same direction. The author, however,
still ventures to hope, that in his subject there is enough to attract,
though it may fail to fascinate. He hopes, too, that it will be found
not attractive merely, but profitable also to his young countrymen.
There are many reasons on which to found such a hope. If to entertain
reverence for our Maker, to admire and adore his wisdom and goodness
in the illustrations of nature, thankfully to acknowledge and duly to
improve the superiority which mind confers, be exercises in which a wise
parent would desire to train a child,--the study of natural science
is admirably adapted to the attainment of these objects. Again, if it
be desirable to encourage habits of patient observation, accuracy of
investigation, and soundness of thought; let the volume of nature be
opened before the youthful mind. If to learn _things_ be better than
to learn _words_, it is important to place things before the growing
intellects of the young. Let it not be supposed that to present matters
of science intelligibly to the minds of children is a hopeless task. It
requires not learning or maturity of understanding to perceive a _fact_;
it needs only the ordinary senses which God has bestowed alike upon
children and their parents. Natural science is emphatically the science
of _facts_; built upon any other foundation it becomes conjecture
merely: and he knows but little of the mind of a child who is not aware
of the facility with which a fact is impressed upon it. The secret of
instructing the young will be found to consist more in the mode of
communication than in the nature of the subject.
As to the style of this work a word may be said; not, of course, for
the purpose of disarming criticism (for truly the writer has never
supposed his trifle worth the critic's labour or notice), but simply to
remark, that the object has been to write for the minds of _children_;
if the book be intelligible to them, the utmost ambition of Uncle Philip
will be attained. Truth and plainness were all he sought. The first he
believes he has attained; and to determine his success in attempting
the last, he turns from the parents, and looks for the decision of the
question to the suffrages of the children. He would rather hear the
expression of satisfaction from the lips of one intelligent little
reader, than receive the words of approbation from many who are elders;
the first is testimony derived from experience, the last is but opinion.
Children always know better than any one else does what books they
understand.
In conclusion, the author owes it to himself to say to the parents
of his young countrymen, and to the patrons of the "Boy's and Girl's
Library," that what he has written will be found on the side of religion
and morals. So far as these important points are concerned, the writer
is not ashamed to avow himself a Christian; nor yet does he mean to make
it the subject of boasting. In his simple view, Christianity is a very
quiet and gentle thing, which eschews strife, and promotes practical
goodness; and truly can he say, that he has indulged in some of his
happiest and, as he trusts, his holiest musings when, in the solitary
pursuit of his favourite science,--to use the language of good old
Izaak Walton, that simple-hearted lover of God, and all his works,--"he
has looked upon the wonders of nature with admiration, or found some
harmless insect to content him, and pass away a little time, without
offence to God, or injury to man."