PREFACE.

ADDRESSED TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS.

To write even a few words of introduction to children, would I believe be useless, inasmuch as young people shun prefaces, as dry and uninteresting. In no case is it advisable to say much but to elder persons I may perhaps be allowed to give a few words of explanation, respecting the design of this little work.

For some time past my own children have frequently asked me to write a book for them: deeming that what "Mamma" wrote would be more pleasing than ordinary books. They were already well-acquainted with Scripture narratives, so beautifully simplified in such works as "Peep of Day," "Line upon Line,” etc., and now required, for Sunday reading, something more

relating to the Bible.

I sought in vain for

what I wanted. I found many attractive Sunday books for the young: some on natural history, very good as far as they go,-but which do not take in all I required. For instance, I have not unfrequently met with works in which interesting things are related of lions, bears, eagles, locusts, serpents, etc., but none (as far as I know) which said something about every animal, bird, insect, reptile, etc., mentioned in Holy Writ. It was to interest my own children in each creature thus alluded to, that the following pages were written. How far they may prove equally interesting to other young readers, I know not. May I be allowed to say, it has been my aim to interest and instruct, and at the same time avoid that which might prove wearisome by dwelling too much on one subject.

I believe that by a less simple style of language, I might sometimes have introduced words or terms, calculated to render sentences less abrupt and more euphonius; but I did not write merely for critical approval, and think

that the young readers themselves, will prefer the book as it is, in its unpretending simplicity of language. I hope also that in Sunday schools, teachers may sometimes find this little volume of use, as I think the language will be clear enough even for those who have not had the advantages of a good education.

In conclusion, let me earnestly hope that my efforts to instruct may gain for my dear young readers some quiet Sunday hours; that the "continual dew of God's blessing" may ever rest upon them, their parents, and teachers and that as they grow in years, they may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, and hereafter "be numbered with His saints in glory everlasting."

M. J. H. H.