It is now with the utmost pleasure I can declare, that I have the greatest reason to be satisfied on that head; the world has generously encouraged my first attempt, and it is to that cause the present volume owes its appearance. The quick sale of a great number of copies, on the first publication, was a proof of the great progress natural history had made; and gave me the utmost hopes a continuation might be equally as acceptable, if conducted on the same plan, and rendered as agreeable by the exertion of the artist's abilities. I have now the satisfaction of offering a volume to the public not inferior to the first. It is a pleasing reflection to consider the great strides natural history is making in this kingdom, as well as in other parts of the world; and the many publications on the various subjects of nature, that have made their appearance within these last three or four years, is a circumstance that must give every man of a liberal mind the greatest satisfaction. We {iv}see persons, skilled in natural history, receiving encouragements and reward from men of rank and property, according to their respective abilities. Some are encouraged to pursue their studies in foreign parts, and investigate the secrets of nature among the trees and plants; others are employed in discovering countries, and searching the shores of coasts, hitherto unknown, for subjects that will afford either profit or speculative pleasure; while the artist at home is not neglected and abandoned, but meets the reward his merit entitles him to. Natural history has, certainly, less reason to court the favour of mankind than many other branches of knowlege; as the pursuit of it, either as a science or amusement, is so replete with pleasure, that it is hardly possible to refuse it our approbation and encouragement, so soon as we give ourselves the least time to enquire into its merits; and we are often stimulated to pursue it from the appearance of that inexhaustible store of entertainment it is sure to afford. It is therefore less to be wondered at that publications on these subjects are more numerous than formerly; as the desire of communicating knowledge and happiness is irresistible, and men, for their own sakes, will be induced to follow the tracks, where the enjoyment of unallayed pleasure lies within their grasp. I shall not dwell any longer on this part of the subject, but inform the reader, that the same plan, of giving _just_ and accurate figures, that was followed in the first volume, is continued in this. The utmost care and nicety has been observed, both in the outlines and engraving. Nothing is strained or carried beyond the bounds nature has set; and whoever will compare the engravings with the originals, I flatter myself will allow, that nothing is borrowed from fancy, or any colour given to an insect that does not really exist in the subject intended to be represented.