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us of those we knew. His solemn thoughts were 

 such as gave him freer spirits, and while they ele- 

 vated the tone of expression enlivened it also. 



" One advantage" which Sir James mentions as 

 having found in the study of nature is, " that it is 

 inexhaustible ; but" (he continues) " it boasts a 

 still greater, — that, as far as I have been able to ob- 

 serve, it never loses its relish at the decline of life. 

 Several botanists have continued the pursuit with 

 undiminished fondness after the loss of sight, a 

 misfortune one would think the most fatal to all 

 their enjoyments. Many more have derived from 

 this soothing study the best alleviation they could 

 find for the bitterest domestic losses and calamities. 

 With what delight did Linnaeus in his last illness 

 turn over and over the acquisitions of his pupil 

 Thunberg in Africa ! — and how have I seen the 

 countenance of Scopoli, suffering under the imme- 

 diate pressure of an unmerited attack upon his ho- 

 nour and all his means of support, resume all its 

 wonted animation and pleasure in talking on the 

 subject of botany ! As a taste for the beauties of 

 nature, or in other words, an admiration of the 

 works of God, raises the mind and character above 

 the troubles and cares of this world, may we not 

 hope that such a temper of mind may be far more 

 highly gratified and exalted in a future state ? Such a 

 hope is in harmony with all our best feelings, and 

 may surely be humbly indulged without mischief or 

 blame ; so far at least as it does not interfere with 

 that absolute reference of everything connected with 

 futurity to the wisdom and goodness of our Creator, 



