514 Mr. N. A. Vigors 07i the Natural Affinitits 



much to that accuracy of observation and unwearied diligence 

 of research, which have deservedly entitled M. Temminck to the 

 reputation of being the first practical ornithologist of our days. 



But there is a name still higher than all, — and as a member 

 of this Society, I feel that I may indulge myself in referring 

 to it with almost filial reverence — Clarum et vcnerabile nomen ! to 

 which the debt due by every lover of ornithology should be re- 

 paid by something more than bare acknowledgement. Whoever 

 can form a just estimate of the important benefit that is conferred 

 on every branch of Natural History by a comprehensive and lu- 

 minous arrangement of its grand and primary subdivisions, and 

 a perspicuous exposition of the leading affinities by which neigh- 

 bouring groups are connected, will pay this just tribute of gra- 

 titude to the transcendent genius of Linn^us. It is true that 

 a disposition has latterly prevailed to underrate the reputation 

 of that great name, and the more specious pretensions of later 

 ornithologists have partially thrown his merits into the shade. 

 And this undeserved detraction has been increased if not occa- 

 sioned by that fatality which ever awaits eminence of all descrip- 

 tion. For it has been his fate, in common with every exalted 

 character who may be considered the founder of a school in sci- 

 ence or philosophy, to have suffered more by the injudicious 

 zeal and overweening partiality of his professed supporters, than 

 from the undisguised attacks of those who would raise them- 

 selves upon his subversion. The former, regardless of the state 

 ; of this department of nature at the period when he undertook to 

 arrange it, and forgetting that the first efforts even of his great 

 mind in reducing his subject into order were necessarily but the 

 rudiments of the science ; — mistaking, in fact, the foundation of 

 his system for its perfect consummation, and thus making the 

 grasp of the infant Hercules the measure of the powers of his 

 manhood ; — these his injudicious supporters, I repeat, adhering 



solely 



