.298 APPENDIX. 



E. 



Observations on Ice Crystals. 



In several places in my narrative it may be noticed that 1 

 have exhibited a peculiar interest in the varied forms of snow 

 crystals ; possibly, to the minds of some, unable to appreciate 

 the study of nature, deemed extravagant. Until that be 

 proven I am content to abide all the infliction which such 

 pointless weapons can inflict. My intercourse with the world 

 convinces me that no energy of character can be expected 

 where no steady intelligent pursuit of some department of 

 science is not followed with confidence as well as enthusiasm. 

 It has not unfrequently happened that a vigorous zeal, or 

 an incomprehensible excitement, on apparently wild schemes, 

 has impelled individuals forward, some to easy fame, others to 

 difficulty and unmerited obscurity. Such, to my own know- 

 ledge, was the fate of the early supporters of coal-gas, that 

 then dreaded element of illumination, but now, after forty- 

 five years' struggle, safely handled by the most timid as well 

 as ignorant. 



These remarks result from certain observations made by 

 unthinking persons, certainly not admirers, nor lights of 

 science, if they even comprehend its outlines, tending to 

 sneer at or undervalue the labours of Scoresby, Glaisher, and 

 others, for frittering away their time in the pursuit of the 

 objects under consideration. Let such foes to science read 

 and comprehend the researches on crystallization and cleavage, 

 and they may then comprehend how much the gem-cutter or 

 the worker on the granite masses composing our proudest 

 edifices owes to such investigations. 



Before leaving England I had not communicated, directly 

 or indirectly, with any individual upon the matter of snow 

 crystals ; but for more than forty years I have been deeply 

 interested in the study of crystals chemically, as well as in a 

 mineralogical point of view. 



