PREFACE. 



The frequent and interesting communications from the Rev. W* 

 B. Clarke, which will be found in the present Volume, remind us 

 that, from the commencement of this Magazine, some of the prin- 

 cipal contributors to it have been Clergymen. 



It would be altogether superfluous to insist on the suitableness 

 of the study of Natural History for a Clergyman residing in the 

 country ; or to draw a comparison between the effects which this 

 taste, and that for sporting which was formerly prevalent among 

 this class, are likely to have on the happiness of the parishioners. 

 Compared even with a taste for classical studies, for drawing, 

 painting, or any other branch of the Fine Arts ; or for amateur 

 turning, or any other kind of mechanical employment ; a taste for 

 Natural History in a clergyman has great advantages, both as 

 respects himself and others. It is superior, in a social point of 

 view, even to a taste for gardening. The sportsman often follows 

 his amusements to the great annoyance of his parishioners ; the 

 horticulturist exercises his gentler pursuit within his garden ; and 

 the classical or indoor student of any kind secludes himself in his 

 closet or his laboratory ; but the naturalist is abroad in the fields, 

 investigating the habits and searching out the habitats of birds, 

 insects, or plants, not only invigorating his health, but affording 

 ample opportunity for frequent intercourse with his parish ioners> 

 In this way their reciprocal acquaintance is cultivated, and the 

 clergyman at last becomes an adviser and friend, as well as a spi- 

 ritual teacher. 



But if Natural History is particularly suited for a country cler- 

 gyman, it is still more so for females residing in the country. Of 

 this, mothers are now becoming aware ; and it is highly gratifying 

 to observe the change that has taken place in female education 

 within the last twenty or thirty years. Daughters are now no 

 longer educated for the purpose of becoming mere domestic ma- 

 nagers, or household ornaments, but for being the rational com- 

 panions of rational men; and the influence that this change will have 

 on their own happiness, on that of their husbands, and on that of 

 their children, and every one connected with them, cannot fail to 

 show itself conspicuously in the next generation.* 



* In the Scotsman newspaper of Nov. 4. 1835, there is a notice by the Editor 

 of a visit which he paid to the Ladies' Institution in Great Stuart Street, Edin- 

 burgh. This Institution was opened in 1834, and may be described as a day- 

 school for ladies, in which the circle of instruction is so complete, that it embraces 

 almost every thing usually taught to men. We shall quote the account, as 

 appropriate to the sentiments expressed in our Preface, and most interesting in 

 itself: — 



"Female Education. — We bestowed our hearty commendations on the plan of 

 the Institution in Great Stuart Street, when it was opened last year ; but we 

 never had an opportunity of inspecting it till some days ago. We witnessed the 

 proceedings only in one class, Dr. Reid's ; but these were so novel and interesting, 

 that we cannot forbear offering a few remarks upon them. We found forty or 

 fifty young ladies performing chemical experiments at three long tables. Fifty jets 



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