MISCELLANEOUS. 241 



CHAPTER XL 



MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLEMENTARY OBSERVATIONS. 



The introduction of a few additional illustrations, derived from seve- 

 ral subjects of the preceding comments, will prove a competent corrobora- 

 tion of their nature. They are merely accessories, it is true, but not the 

 less useful as such, where we must avail ourselves of many feebler auxi- 

 liaries in establishing the facts of history. 



Long researches and anxious study at one time unavailing, are sud- 

 denly and easily satisfied at another — affording the more encouragement 

 to steady perseverance. 



1. Hydra tuba, Vol. I. Chapter III. § 1. p. 76.— Plate XX. Figs. 6, 

 7, 20, 21, 22. — Vol. II. Plate L. — Notwithstanding what has been al- 

 ready so copiously said on the subject, the history of this animal, and in- 

 deed of all the Medusarian tribe, is involved in the greatest obscurity, so 

 great, that I believe we must trust as much to accident as to industry for 

 the requisite illustrations. Neither can any hope be entertained of pro- 

 curing such as shall be intelligible, without embellishing the fruits of far- 

 ther research by correct delineations. Nearly the whole which have been 

 hitherto presented, at least which have fallen under my cognizance, are 

 either erroneous, or not to be readily comprehended. 



The subject, however, we shall allow, is one of much difficulty ; it de- 

 mands an uncommon store of patience, and a wide range of opportunity. 

 But fragment after fragment, contributed from all quarters where obser- 

 vation may be made, and the matter attentively prosecuted, will accom- 

 plish most of what is desirable in the end. 



vol. ii. 2 H 



