4: INTRODUCTIOX. 



One great a;lv:vntage to be derived from a well-arranged study of nature, is 

 the bar which it places to the indulgence of selfish feelings, which can scarcely 

 exist in the breast of a true naturalist; for the pursuits he is engaged in are 

 identified with a constant interchange of ideas and specimens; thus encouraging 

 kind and friendly feelings between its votaries, whose aim should be, not to 

 secure a larger number of specimens than their neighbour, but rather to spread 

 the knowledge they may acquire, as far and widely as possible; the only rivalry 

 should be as to who should do most for the advancement of the knowledge of 

 Natural History; by whieh our best feelings and tastes would be fostered and 

 promoted, and others would be assisted in treading the same useful and agreeable 

 path, from which we should rejoice, if we have been the means of removing 

 even a single impediment. 



We are quite convinced that Natural History may be studied beneficially, even 

 by those who are deeply engaged in the ordinary business avocations of life. The 

 mind will not bear with impunity to be constantly engaged on one subject; it 

 will have relaxation in one form or another. If it cannot have what is harmleas 

 or beneficial, it will take what is injurious and bad. In speaking of beneficial 

 relaxation, wc do not mean cessation from exertion, but merely a change in 

 the nature of it, which every one who has been accustomed to prolonged 

 mental occupation knows to be better and more agreeable to the mind than 

 entire rest. Indeed an active and healthy mind could not be at rest absolutely; 

 the only rest it can know, is obtained by using a different set of mental muscles, 

 if wc may be allowed, for the sake of illustration, to make use of such a term. 

 In the pursuit of most objects of Natural History, this mental relaxation is 

 obtained at the same time that the body is deriving benefit from the muscular 

 exertion which necessarily attends all out-of-door occupations. We might pursue 

 this subject to a much greater length, but we hope we have now said sufficient 

 to enable each reader of the "Naturalist," to take up firm ground in defending 

 the proper and healthy study of Natural History. 



It will be our endeavour in conducting the "Naturalist," to keep the ideas 

 expressed in this article before -us constantly ; and we trust we shall receive such 

 assistance from our correspondents as will enable us to do so efiectually; and 

 we may then hope to sec our favourite pursuit more generally embraced 

 throughout the country, and made, as it is quite capable of being, a most 

 valuable branch of study in the schools for the education of our younger friends, 

 who we are sure would be largely benefitted in their other studies by the 

 healthy relaxation thus aiforded them. The head of any school, acting on this 

 suggestion, will find not only a more healthy moral tone among his pupils, 

 but will also experience the great advantages of exciting a community of feeling 

 between himself and those placed in his care, and which cannot but operate 

 advantageously on the other, and, to children, less interestuig pursuits which 

 necessarily engage most of their attention during their pupilage. 



