On the Groups of the Falconidce. 345 



the divisions of Aero*, IefaticM, and Ixt/»oj : while hoth those naturalists 

 have again subdivided these leading groups into divisions not 

 altogether dissimilar to those of the present day. 



I feel less confidence, I must confess, in advancing these 

 opinions, when I recollect that they do not meet the approbation 

 of some of my most valued friends, and fellow labourers in this 

 department of science. But while I cannot but regret the differ- 

 ence of opinion that exists between us, I am aware of the cause 

 from which their disapprobation originates, and feel less hesitation 

 in continuing to incur it. They have in fact attained by different 

 views an eminence in science which it is easier to lookup to, than 

 to attain. And it is natural that they should consider those 

 efforts as superfluous, which profess to simplify a science, the 

 mysteries of which they have already unravelled. But they should 

 remember that others are not equally favoured with themselves, and 

 that every assistance that can be afforded those who are struggling 

 onwards in the same paths must be of some importance. They 

 should moreover reflect that those who unite in the endeavour to 

 promulgate in this country the modern views of the science, do 

 not wish to interfere with any established notions, or to supersede 

 any opinions of others. It is their wish only that their own views 

 may have equal liberty of being made known ; that the voice in 

 which they speak may not be overpowered at once by the weight of 

 influence, or deadened by the force of authority ; — that it may, in 

 short, be allowed to be heard. In investigations like the present, 

 where there is a diversity of opinion, it is of little consequence who 

 is right, or who is wrong. When we consider the limited powers 

 which the best of us can bring to such subjects, the probability is 

 that we are all wrong together. The object before us is Truth ; 

 and in the search of this hidden treasure, no assistance should be 

 despised which may tend to lay open the depths in which it lies. 

 The present moment appears most propitious for the attainment of 

 this comtron object. Greater dignity has of late been conferred 

 on the study; greater interest been excited in its behalf; and 

 a favourable concurrence of circumstances holds out the promise 

 that the investigation of nature will be henceforth carried on with 

 a zeal and enterprize that must eventually ensure success. In 



