MR SKLBY 8 AODRB88. 39 



diency, as well as the chief utility, of such associations as our own are 

 i" ! estimated. Let it not, however, be supposed, that I imagine the 

 field of discovery in the district we embrace, or even in the very limited 

 portion of it to which our walk this day has been restricted, is either ex- 

 hausted or destitute of objects to reward the patient and zealous disciple 

 of nature. On the contrary, I feel confident that the mine is still rich 

 and productive, and that our provincial fauna may yet, through our ex- 

 ertions, be greatly extended. Witness, I may almost say, the daily dis- 

 covery of species, many of them new, others which have not hitherto 

 been observed within the limit of our district, by our highly-gifted and 

 respected associate, whose labours are at present especially directed to 

 those curious and interesting beings belonging to the invertebrate class, 

 and whose acute and microscopic eye, aided by the pencil of his amiable 

 consort, has made us familiar with the wonderful structure of many of 

 those extraordinary creatures. Witness, I may add, the specimens of 

 the rare and elegant insect, exhibited this very day, and captured within 

 view of the apartment in which we are now assembled. 



But should our research unexpectedly, and contrary to what I really 

 think can possibly happen, prove unrewarded by the discovery of any 

 thing new, or even rare, let not our ardour be depressed, or a feeling of 

 disappointment turn us aside from the contemplation of Nature's lovely 

 works ; for, though I admit the acquisition of a new or unexpected ob- 

 ject is accompanied with a feeling of a pleasant and gratifying descrip- 

 tion, and is calculated to foster and increase our zeal, still another, and 

 in many cases an unexplored field, lies open to all interested in these 

 pursuits, sufficient of itself to occupy our attention, and reward the ut- 

 most labour we can bestow upon it, I mean the physiology and structure 

 of what we already possess, or can at all times easily acquire ; a study 

 the most delightful, and at the same time the most instructive; a study 

 which, in well-regulated minds, cannot fail, by the wonders it discloses 

 of consummate wisdom, admirable contrivance, and beautiful adaptation, 

 to improve and raise the mind to that omnipotent and beneficent Being, 

 the author of the universe and all that it contains, and to call forth those 

 feelings of adoration, and gratitude, and love, the legitimate and only 

 proper objects of all our learning and scientific acquirements ; and which 

 may teach us to exclaim with the sacred poet of old, " He spake the word, 

 and they were made ; He commanded, and they stood fast." 



P. J. S. 



