Country Walks of a Naturalist with His Children

### Preface by Author ###

In this little book my desire has been, not so much to impart knowledge to young people, as to induce them to acquire it for themselves.

I have endeavoured to show that Country Walks may be full of interest and instruction to all who care to make good use of their eyes. If I have failed, the fault rests with me for the way in which I have treated the subject.

I am aware that I have occasionally used words and phrases which may puzzle young brains, but I hope that nearly all will be intelligible to boys and girls of nine or ten years old, with a little explanation from parents or teachers.


We could not have a more pleasant day, children, for a ramble in the fields than to-day. It is warm and bright, and the birds are singing merrily, thoroughly enjoying the sunshine; the little lambs are frisking about, and running races with each other. Put away lessons then, and we will have a holiday.

“Oh,” said Willy, “it will be so pleasant, and I will take one or two bottles, and my gauze net, because we are sure to find something interesting to bring home. Where shall we go?”

“I do not think it much matters where, for there is always much to observe and to admire wherever we stroll in the country.”