that connect the Orders and Families of Birds. 397 



individual, as he caught a glimpse of the newer and more spe- 

 cious wonders displayed in the extensive affinities and combina- 

 tions of the whole. 



It is to our continental neighbours that we are chiefly in- 

 debted for these valuable improvements in zoology. The zeal 

 and ability with which they applied themselves to the study of 

 comparative anatomy in its various branches, have laid the justest 

 foundation for all zoological investigation. It reflects some 

 reproach upon this country that little aid was given to such 

 labours by the industry of her naturalists. I know not the cause 

 why among the different branches of natural history, compara- 

 tive anatomy alone has hitherto experienced so much neglect : 

 but it is a fact often and deeply lamented, that, with the excep- 

 tion of one or two splendid names which have appeared among 

 the writers on the Annulosa, the general poverty of our reputa- 

 tion in zoology forms a striking contrast to the never-dying fame 

 which has been earned by some of our naturalists in the vege- 

 table and mineral kingdoms. Great Britain, however, has made 

 ample amends for her tardy adoption of the more philosophical 

 views of the science, in the masterly use to which she applied 

 them when once adopted, and the rapid strides by which at 

 once, as it were, she outstripped all previous research. It has 

 been reserved for one of her sons to throw a new light upon the 

 sphere of animated Nature, and to bring to view a principle that 

 pervades her works, as beautiful as it is comprehensive. In 

 the year 1819, the enlightened author of Hone Entomologies 

 first called the attention of the lovers of science to a principle 

 which he discovered in a minute group of insects ; and which, 

 with a comprehensiveness of mind, and an accuracy of execu- 

 tion, seldom united in an individual, he subsequently followed 

 up through the whole range of animal life. It would be super- 

 fluous for me to enter into a detail of the important theory so 



3 F 2 success- 



