366 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
in science should alone be excluded from those 
honours of the state which are liberally bestowed 
upon “ the mere possesscrs of animal courage,’ or 
the enjoyers of mere wealth? Surely there must 
be something in all this, quite inconsistent with the 
national character for liberality and right feeling. 
Men of the highest talent, pursuing different studies, 
and therefore viewing the same question from dif- 
ferent bearings, belonging to no political party, 
upbraiding no particular ministry, and having no 
selfish interests to warp their judgments, — such 
men, we may safely conclude, would not simultane- 
ously raise their voices, and proclaim their own dis- 
honoured state, without urgent cause. Let us at 
least be candid, and fairly admit there must be 
something which calls for amendment; and under 
this spirit, those who possess the power will be better 
qualified to consider, in coolness of judgment, what 
measures are best calculated to restore the science 
of Britain to a healthy state. 
