502 Bibliographical Notices, 



" If viewed in this light, the actions of the inferior animals become elevated 

 into so many manifestations of the Almighty Intelligence, from whom they 

 derive their being. Hence Bonnet says, in a brief but happy metaphor, 

 * When I see an insect working at the construction of a nest or a cocoon, I 

 am impressed with respect ; because it seems to me that -1 am at a spectacle 

 where the Supreme Artist is hid behind the curtain*.' " 



4. Natural History as a branch of education. There can, we 

 think, be little question of the desirableness of early instilling into 

 the minds of the young a taste for those sciences which are capable 

 of contributing so much to their happiness in mature years, and of 

 thus rendering them useful members of society. Some may suppose 

 that great difficulties exist in the way, on account of the want of 

 teachers and books ; but let the system be once adopted, and we be- 

 lieve that there will be no lack of those capable of teaching, or of 

 books fitted for the use of the beginner. In botany and geology we 

 have already a good supply of elementary works'; and if we are not 

 so well off in zoology, it is only because there has been at present 

 no demand for such works. 



The following remarks, although intended to apply to Irish insti- 

 tutions, may be adopted by many in England : — 



" To raise Natural History to a higher rank and more prominent station 

 in our Irish colleges would be most desirable. I believe a wish that such 

 should be the case prevails in many influential quarters ; and as that wish 

 increases, it will find means and opportunity for its fitting expression. 

 Meantime, I respectfully suggest that something might be done in our own 

 province and hi our own town, by directing public attention to the subject. 

 Some of the proprietors of our Royal Academical Institution are sincerely 

 desirous of seeing the course of education there revised and enlarged. Some 

 learned and reverend members of the Presbyterian body are persuaded, that 

 an increase of the term of study at present prescribed to their students would 

 be highly desirable ; and, also, that such a change should be accompanied 

 by the introduction of new matter, and a revisal of that at present taught. 

 This would seem, therefore, an auspicious time for bringing forward the 

 views now submitted to your consideration. That a precedent may not be 

 wanting for the change which I hope will in time be effected in the course 

 of college education in Ireland, I may be permitted to refer to the University 

 of London. Botany and Zoology form part of the matriculation examina- 

 tion ; and in that for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, a comprehensive outline 

 of Animal Physiology, Vegetable Physiology, and Structural Botany is pre- 

 scribed." 



It gave us pleasure to know, that recently, when the Senate of the 

 University of London were requested by the heads of some College 

 connected with it, to remit that part of their matriculation exa- 

 mination that referred to Natural History, they refused to do so. 

 However little we should wish to see the study of the Classics or of 

 Mathematics neglected, we are convinced that the study of Natural 

 History bears too importantly on the welfare and happiness of man- 

 kind to be wisely excluded from the educational institutions of our 

 country. 



We conclude our notice with one more extract, referring our read- 



* 'Contemplation de la Nature.' 



