TI E NATURALIST.^ 



THE STUDY OF NATURAL HISTOKY CONDUCIVE 

 TO HEALTH. 



BY THOMAS FULLER, ESQ. 



The object of the following observations are intended more to establish 

 the truth of the above proposition, than to furnish information upon the 

 subject itself, in which I fear the little knowledge displayed will caiise 

 a smile from my readers : but with reliance upon the old homely proverb 

 "that it is never too late to learn/' I am encouraged to proceed, and, if 

 not an apt, can at least testify to being a willing scholar, and of fully 

 appreciating the labours of the talented Editor of the "Naturalist," and 

 the interesting communications of his correspondents, towards leading the 

 minds of others to a taste for the pursuit of a study tending so much 

 to the acquirement of health and content. 



Somersetshire, for rich and romantic scenery, is not inferior to any 

 county in the kingdom. The Mendip and Quantock hills, with abundance 

 of other elevated downs, where the purest air can be enjoyed as it comes 

 fresh from across the Atlantic, stand in pleasing contrast with the rich and 

 productive valleys. Luxuriant woods furnish shelter and protection to the 

 feathered creation, particularly on the north-western side, bordering on the 

 Bristol Channel, when nature assumes a grander appearance, with bold 

 rocks projecting to the sea, and retiring bays richly wooded leading to 

 enchanting vales. In these more favoured situations, the contemplation of 

 birds, and other subjects of Natural History, might be carried on with 

 advantage. My visits in this direction, though limited, have been quite 

 sufficient to satisfy me that the lover of nature might here follow his 

 favourite pursuit with success. 



The ancient and elegant city of Bath, is too well known to require 

 description. Situated at nearly the eastern extremity of the county, in 

 a rich valley, through which flows the River Avon from east to west, on 

 the north and south sides beautiful hills rise in gentle slopes, and then in 

 bolder elevations, ascended by easy winding paths, affording enchanting views 

 at every turn, and, upon reaching their summit, extensive and varied pros- 

 pects. The population of the city and villages around is too numerous to 



VOL. VII. B 



