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mind and to the eye, with the further gratifying knowledge that, 

 however much he takes for himself, there is always as much for 

 everyone else. This brings about a kind of freemasonry amongst 

 all who are like-minded, and this fact alone opens up further 

 means for enjoyment. 



There is the charm of congenial conversation, the inter- 

 change of ideas and the gratification of finding points of contact 

 with others in nmtual interests. And perhaps not the least is 

 found in the imparting of what knowledge one may have to those 

 who have less, and in feeling that one is kindling fresh interests 

 in another mind. 



May I, therefore, lay before the members to-night my 

 sincere conviction that one of the most important functions of 

 our Natural History Society is here indicated, and that the 

 inclusion in its ranks of a goodly band of Amateurs in Science is 

 its glory, and one of its most valuable and beneficent operations. 



It is vain to suppose that, save for a few exceptions, that 

 they can, by original research, add materially to the accumulated 

 total of knowledge, or that they can come into competition with 

 the professor on his own groimd. In science, as well as in art, 

 the rate of progress is becoming more and more rapid in an 

 increasing ratio, so that the simple amateur is left hopelessly in 

 the rear. It is not for him to lead but to follow, and, under 

 superior guidance and with sympathetic help, it is his joy so 

 to do. 



This consideration should not have a depressing influence 

 upon the efforts of the amateur, although, in all his conclusions 

 he may find himself forestalled. I can conceive the possibility of 

 one having, with great labour, compiled a series of observations, 

 offering the result in the shape of a paper to our Secretary, and 

 receiving, in reply, a courteous inquiry if he were aware that the 

 subject had already been exhaustively dealt with in a monograph 

 by Professor Bumsterhausen, and that, after him, there was no 

 more to be said. 



But, from all we have seen, it is clear that it is not in 

 these directions that the amateur finds his reward. Pope 

 has said that " a little learning is a dangerous thing," which 

 may be truth if the " little " should lead to presumptuous 

 conceit ; but, on the other hand, with diligence and humility, 

 the " little " is of infinite value, for it is a solid basis on which 

 to build more, and it is a practical truth that " to him that hath 

 shall be given." 



Nature has her high priests, but she has also her hosts of 

 humble worshippers. And Nature becomes to her votaries, not a 

 tyrannical goddess, but a kind and loving friend, with whom 

 communion is a precious and lasting privilege ; and as the years 

 pass away her teachings become increasingly a present delight, 

 and fill the mind with a store of happy memories. 



