This classic natural history text, originally published in the 18th century, offers a sweeping overview of the planet's plant and animal life. Written by the renowned French naturalist Georges Louis Leclerc Buffon, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the scientific thinking of the era, as well as a comprehensive account of the living world as it was then known. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.