Front matter

'Natural History is the appointed handmaiden of Religion, enabling us to feel and in some humble proportion to appreciate how closely and how carefully the well-being and happiness of all creatures has been provided for,—how admirably they are severally adapted to their respective stations and employments, and how wonderfully every part of their economy is made subservient to the general good. This is the true spirit in which the aquarïst ought to work, and this is the end and object of his science.'—Rhymer Jones.

1 & 2 Valves of PHOLAS SHELL 3 Pholas crispata, with siphons extended 4 COMMON BRITTLE STAR (Ophiocoma rosula) From Nature, showing the progressive growth of new rays 5 COMMON CROSS-FISH (Uraster rubens)

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD BROUGHAM AND VAUX, CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, ETC., ETC., ETC., THIS LITTLE VOLUME Is Inscribed, AS A TRIFLING TOKEN OF RESPECTFUL ADMIRATION FOR UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED GREATNESS.