450 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
them ; and they would therefore strive, by study, to — 
reach that proficiency which was the sole qualifica- 
tion for admission. That such a feeling would sti- 
mulate many of those who are now content with 
moderate acquirements, is perfectly obvious; and 
that this study would lead to a great extension of 
knowledge, is no less evident. We must confess, 
that if no steps are taken by the present council to 
raise the scientific character of the Royal Society, 
or by the government to distinguish in some way 
our men of science, we cannot but wish to see 
such an association as the above matured and 
embodied: and we should desire it upon the 
ground, that it would effect present and future 
good ; that it would serve as a nucleus for assembling 
together those few of our first-rate philosophers 
whose names are now scattered among hundreds of 
amateurs, in dozens of societies; and that, under the 
auspices of such men, a tone and a vigour would be 
given to the science of Britain, which it seems almost 
hopeless to expect from any other quarter. 
