THE NATURALIST. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In writing a short introduction to the "Naturalist," we do not think it 

 necessary to combat many of the notions respecting Natural History, that have 

 at one time or another acted prejudicially on the extended study of it, but we 

 rather wish to place a few remarks in its favom*, in probably a different light 

 to that in which most of our readers have been in the habit of viewing the 

 subject. We imagine that no one, even the most determined utilitarian, can 

 now object to the study of Natural History, on the score of no practical benefit 

 resulting from it. If any one is so hardy as to do so, we have only to refer 

 him to our tradesmen, who will tell him that by the investigations of the 

 Botanist, the adulterations in various articles of sale may now be absolutely 

 put a stop to, by those who choose to avail themselves of the discoveries which 

 have resulted from his studies. We here more particularly allude to the use 

 of the microscope, by which not only can the adulteration of various articles 

 of commerce be detected, but even the substances, by which the imposition is 

 attempted, can be pointed out. Here several advantages are gained; not only 

 is the purchaser preserved from fraud, but the cheat is exposed to punishment, 

 to the manifest encouragement of the fair dealer. If he turns to the Agri- 

 culturist, he will be referred to the benefits conferred upon him by the Botanist, 

 in telling him what grasses he must sow in order to obtain a useful turf in 

 the shortest possible period. He will tell him of the help he has received 

 from the Entomologist in combatting the attacks of injurious insects, by the 

 knowledge he has imparted to him of their habits and economy. Should he 

 question the miner he will tell him that the Geologist has saved him money, 

 labour, and disappointment, by the information he has afi'orded him as to 

 the best spot for commencing his work. There would be no difficulty in 

 multiplying examples of this kind, but our object will be, we hope, sufficiently 

 attained by the few we have selected. 



Let us now examine the benefits to be derived from the study of Natural 

 History, in an aspect in which they have seldom been exhibited, but in one 

 which we have always endeavoured to place them in, when under the necessity 

 of taking up the cudgels in defence of our favourite recreation. It is often 

 asserted that nothing, but a study of mathematics, will give a man accurate 

 ideas and powers of comparison and combination: this we altogether deny, and 

 although we ourselves value and appreciate, as highly as any one, the use of 



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