28 



unalloyed happiness, from the agreeable occupation it affords the 

 mind irrespective of outward circumstances. It furnishes a 

 relief from the cares and anxieties of life, — a palliative to grief 

 in seasons of affliction, — an escape from the depressing passions 

 to which so many are victims who have no regular employments 

 to engage their attention. And how especially true is this of a 

 branch of science which throws open to its followers the whole 

 domain of nature, from Avhicli to gather materials for study and 

 research. Woods and fields, — -rivers and swamps, — every pond 

 and every ditch, — the mountain, and even what to others seems 

 but a barren wilderness, — alike spread for the naturalist an 

 intellectual treat rich in objects of interest to an inquiring mind. 

 Amid these he finds his highest enjoyment. He is never alone, — 

 never tired ; though away from the haunts and society of man, he 

 finds companions in the many marvellous forms of animated life 

 around him,— they remove all feeling of solitude,* — they take 

 away all sense of ennui and fatigue. There have been those whose 

 lot it was to reside in the most inhospitable regions of the globe, 

 and who declared that nothing but the study of Natural History, 

 and its inexhaustible supply of entertainment, could have 

 reconciled them to the place, How much more must such studies 

 add to the enjoyment of life when they can be followed up in the 

 society and fellowship of those having the same taste as ourselves, 

 and witli the advantage of a well-stored Museum to aid us in our 

 pursuits. How far superior are they to the ordinary amusements 

 of the world ; and if we can get the artisan or labourer to take 

 them up — as why should we not,— will they not provide a healthy 

 recreation in the place of those vicious pleasures which working 

 men too often have recourse to fill up their vacant liours.t 



• See Kingsley ou the Study of Natural History. " Miscellanies," 

 vol. 2, p. 366. 



t See this subject taken up and illustrated in a popular way for young 

 persons, in a small useful publication entitled—'' The Village Museum ; 

 or how we gathered Profit with Pleasure." By the Rev. G. T. Hoare. 



