124 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
birds, insects, or shells; in the arrangement and 
study of which, assisted by a few elementary books, 
he will find a mental and fascinating recreation, far 
exceeding that derived from the glare and suffo- 
cation of a theatre, or even from the levelling 
monotony of cards. 
(70.) There is a quietness and a placidity in all 
that relates to nature, which is particularly congenial 
to the spirit of a good man, and which renders his 
pleasures independent of the auxiliary aid of the 
world. They are beyond the influence even of 
fashion; they do not, necessarily, bring with them 
contentions for superiority, the murmurings of envy, 
or the miseries of disappointment. The true 
naturalist loves science for her own worth, — for her 
own dignity. He quits the haunts of folly and of 
idleness, for his study: there, in converse with a 
friend of kindred spirit, or, if blessed with a family, 
with those of his own circle, he enjoys the pure de- 
light of receiving or of imparting knowledge. There 
is always some new fact to be imparted, some new 
book to be talked of, or some new acquisition to be 
shown and admired. The man of business wants 
relaxation ; but when that is sought for in the excite- 
ment of mixed society, or of public amusements, 
diversion may, perhaps, be found, but repose cannot. 
The man, whose profession keeps him in the bustling 
scenes of Jife the greater part of the day, must 
choose his recreations either abroad or at home. 
By all but the gay and giddy, who have yet to learn 
what the world really is, the latter resort will be 
preferred. But retired or domestic life does not 
necessarily suppose idleness, and the cultivated mind 
