118 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
prosecution, require the higher energies of the 
human mind. That it is truly of this description, 
might be readily inferred; for the works of nature 
are much more difficult to understand than those 
of man. Yet, did we at once expatiate on the deep 
research necessary to acquire proficiency,—did we 
detail the many and varied acquirements essential to 
a high cultivation of the science, — we might possibly 
frighten those away, of whom we should otherwise 
have made disciples. We prefer, therefore, a more 
agreeable and a more inviting course. As our Series 
of discourses upon Nature is intended to be element- 
ary, we shall commence from the lowest step, and 
gradually ascending, conduct the student from the 
leading principles of all sound knowledge in this de-_ 
partment, to an acquaintance with its details. Let 
us now, therefore, regard natural history rather as a 
recreation than as a science,—as a pursuit for the 
man of leisure, and a relaxation for the man of 
business: we will consider it also as the means of 
acquiring and preserving health, and as a source of 
pleasure to the valetudinarian. 
(65.) The study of Nature can never be so well 
or so delightfully prosecuted as in her own haunts, 
‘“‘ remote from cities.” Hence it is, that no pursuit 
can be better adapted for a country life. We are 
then, as it were, in the boundless temple of Nature, 
and we explore her truths in all its various recesses. 
The tediousness of a country life is proverbial; but 
did we ever hear this complaint from a naturalist ? — 
Never. Every man who in his walks derives interest 
from the works of creation—who looks to the habits, 
the instincts, and the forms of animals—and who 
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