THE STUDY OF NATURE. 25 



for food ; we know the soil adapted for particular 

 sorts ; nor is it less applicable in agriculture, 

 where so much risk, and frequently so much loss 

 might be obviated, by the farmer being aware of 

 the unsuitableness of the soil to some particular 

 crop ; where, too, so many improvements are called 

 for, and which can only be effected, through the 

 instrumentality of natural science. If Natural His- 

 tory were more cultivated, we should, I doubt not, 

 soon become acquainted with very many animals, 

 and plants, both native and foreign, which have 

 been hitherto disregarded, and which will be found 

 well worthy of cultivation, and domestication, in ad- 

 dition to, or in preference to, others. Finally, Natural 

 History confers benefits upon all classes ; its impor- 

 tance to the different professions must be generally 

 acknowledged, connected as it is with every branch of 

 philosophy^, with the arts, and with human affairs ge- 

 nerally; its importance to the different trades must be 

 likewise allowed, when we reflect that these too, are 

 more or less connected with natural productions, and 

 with a knowledge of natural laws ; wherefore if it be 

 true that by this knowledge our diseases may be cured, 

 justice more certainly distributed, the quality of our 

 food, clothing, and habitations improved ; and if by 

 it is afforded to our teachers, or ourselves, the means 

 of improving our intellects, and elevating our minds, 

 should its advocates, and votaries be deemed fana- 

 tics ? or rather does it not seem strange, that in our 

 schools, and colleges, means are not devised for the 

 promotion of this species of learning, and for the 

 instillation of a desire in youth to become acquainted 

 with the forms and pro])erties of bodies, and to 

 equal their elders in exertions for the cause of sci- 

 ence? and now, let us see the influence which this 

 study exerts on the individual mind ; we firmly 

 believe there is no study so well calculated to call 

 forth the powers of the mind, in their separate ener- 

 gies, or in their collective comprehensive force ; it 

 gives the love of order or system, the love of truth, 

 VOL. VI r. 1836. d 



