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7. — On the PLEAsruES and Advantages to be deeited feom a 

 Study of Natueal Histoey, and moee paetictjiaelt feom the 

 Obseevation of Bieds. 



By J. E. IIakting, F.L.S., F.Z.S. 

 [Eead 13th May, 1875.] 



TiiEEE are few studies better calculated to expand the mind and 

 gratify our natural thirst for knowledge than the study of IS'atural 

 History. The relation between organized beings and the circum- 

 stances by which they are surroundc>tl ; the structure of certain 

 organs which necessitate a modification of others, and fix the mode 

 of existence ; the varieties produced by accident, and the species 

 designedly preserved distinct ; in fine, the astonishing results of 

 that mysterious cause termed instinct; all these are surely subjects 

 of the highest interest, and constitute the peculiar charm of Zoo- 

 logy. And yet, how few there are, comparatively, who perceive 

 any interest in the study ! 



When conversing with persons who have resided in the country 

 all their lives, it has frequently been a matter of surprise to me to 

 observe how little information they possess, even as regards the 

 commonest objects which surround them, and which contribute so 

 much, either dii'ectly or indirectly, to their happiness. The most 

 ordinary plants which grow in the hedgerows, the commonest bii-ds 

 and insects which cross their path, are daily passed unheeded and 

 uncared for, and are scarcely even known by their proper names. 

 Should you venture to point out to them that a particular plant 

 is of use as a medicine, that another produces a beautiful dye, or 

 that a third, which is very troublesome as a weed, fonns the chief 

 food of certain small birds which they thoughtlessly destroy, they 

 appear quite astonished. Should you call their attention to a 

 beetle, and inform them that its larva, or grub, is one of the 

 farmer's worst enemies, while another, to be seen further on, is 

 of great service in burying decayed animal substances, and in 

 preying upon refuse of all kinds, they express surprise that they 

 shoiild never have made that discovery before. It is to bo regretted 

 that these persons make so little use of their eyes, and profit so 

 little of the advantages by which they are surrounded. 



With many, probably, this proceeds from a misapprehension of the 

 term "Zoology," or "Natural History." They consider the 

 subject, as they say, "too scientific for them," and imagine that 

 it necessitates a great amount of wliat is called "book learning." 

 But this is a mistake. All that is required is a con-ect eye, 

 a good memory, and a method of study, all of which can be 

 wonderfully improved by practice. It is simply the want of 

 attention which makes the discrimination of objects appear difficult; 

 for no sooner do we become acquainted with the trivial distinctions, 

 than we are surprised to find how easy it is to recollect tliem ; and 

 things which appeared Avrapt in mystery then become obvious and 

 familiar to us. 



