History of British animals - University of Guam Marine Laboratory

PREFACE.XlllMr Stephens, is a work daily exhibitingthe vast resources ofhis rich cabinet, and his discriminating acquaintance with theindigenous species.Besides these displays of increasing attachment to the improvementswhich have been effected in the science, several circumstanceshave recently occurred in London, which seem calculatedto promote the advancement of zoology in this country.The Zoological Club, instituted 29th November 1823, on theto thosebirth-day of Ray, will, it is hoped, give a new energymembers of the Linnean Society,who devote their attention tothe subjectsof the animal kingdom. The establishment of aZoological Journal, in 1824, is not without its interest, as indicating,we hope, an increasing demand for the truths of thescience, and an anxiety to trace its progress.The ZoologicalInstitution, organized 22d June 1825, under the auspices, andby the persevering exertions, of the late Sir Stamford Raffles,does honour to the spirit of the age. Botanic and HorticulturalGardens had long been established, and plants collectedfrom various quartersfor inspection, study, and applicationto purposes of utility or ornament. Now, the Animals ofdifferent countries will be subjectedto similar treatment, andthe happiestresultsmay be anticipated.Nor can it be forgottenin this place,that a Professorship of Zoology has at lastbeen instituted inthe United Kingdom, and that the Universityof London has set the example.Amidst so many displays of zoological zeal, it appeared to theauthor that a compendious view of the characters of British Animalswould be useful in promoting the progress of the science,and as a substitute for more extended disquisitions. In 1822,he had ventured to publish the Philosophy of Zoology,in whichit is attempted to collect and classify the truths of physiology,and to point out their importance in illustratingthe charactersof those groups into which animals have been divided. He therestated, that the Fauna of a countryshould embrace ResidentAnimals, Periodical Visitants, Stragglers, together with the Extirpated,Extinct, and Naturalized Species.In the constructionof the present Work, these important distinctions have been keptin view.The Resident Animals are such as can accommodate them-