enter scientifically upon the subject; as it is impossible to gain clear
ideas, without great method and regularity.

_Louisa_. I hope, mamma, we shall not, in natural history, have long
lists of classes and orders to learn by heart, as we had when we began
botany; for I cannot say I think all those hard names at all
entertaining.

_Mrs. B._ Perhaps not, my dear; but nothing that is valuable, can be
attained without difficulty. I would wish to smooth the path for you as
much as I can, but learning is "labour, call it what you will;" and
without strict attention, and industrious perseverance, you will never
attain perfection in any thing. The classes and orders in that division
of natural history, called the animal kingdom, are, however, by no means
difficult. There are, in botany, as you no doubt recollect, twenty-four
classes; in natural history, there are but six.

"Will you be so kind as to repeat them to us, mamma?" said Louisa.

_Mrs. B._ Willingly, my dear. The first is called Mammalia, and
consists of Quadrupeds and Whales; the second, Birds; third, Amphibia;
fourth, Fishes; fifth, Insects; and sixth, Worms.

_Louisa_. That seems very easy. I think I could soon learn those six
classes. Are there many orders, mamma?

_Mrs. B._ In the class Mammalia there are seven. But we must not talk
of them just at present, or our Roman history will be forgotten.

_Edward_. Before we change the subject, will you be so good as to tell