69 
times without number before, and that with as much minute- 
ness as if they had been new to him. There was much that 
was remarkable in this part of his conduct, and his success 
shows the difficulty of setting limits to the Flora of any par- 
ticular country, as well as the impossibility of discerning where 
botanical discovery may cease. He never wandered beyond | 
the limits of his little farm. 
During his intervals of relaxation from these his favourite 
pursuits, he might generally be found reading the new pub- 
lications of the day. Exceedingly silent in company, he dis- 
liked visiting, and, being unmarried, the hours of his solitude 
were many, and generally improved. The course of his 
reading was extensive, and he read with the eye of a critic. 
He often took a general outline of the plan of the author, and 
made such observations as show the workings of a philosophic 
mind. 
The following reflections, drawn forth by the remarks of 
different authors, are so just, and so fully expose the impro- 
priety of reasoning, with a false love of wisdom, from final 
causes, that they cannot be too frequently considered. “Itisa 
mistake to suppose that the glory of God is to be promoted by 
that puling philosophy at present so much admired, which 
serves to please and amaze the public at the expense of the 
feelings of the man of science, whom it disgusts. True reli- 
gion must always grow with true knowledge, and the pious 
contemplations of pious men, ascribing final. causes for facts 
with which they were but partially acquainted, has often 
brought ridicule on that wisdom which they would exalt, and 
contempt on the doctrines which they would support. The 
passage which calls forth these reflections is this: 
* < Jetés, says our author, ‘sans defense au milieu des vo- 
races habitans de la mer, voyageant par troupes nombreuses 
que des reflets brillans et argentés font distinguer au loin, les 
poissons volans (Exocetus volitans) eussent sans doute disparu 
d'entre les étres vivans, si la nature ne leur avait donné, dans. 
leurs nageoires pectorales, des moyens propres à s'échapper 
des vagues, et à voler a la surface des eaux dans lesquelles 
leurs ennemis habituels les poursuivent sans cesse." 
