124* STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



birds, insects, or shells ; in the arrangement and 

 study of which, assisted by a few elementary books, 

 he will find a mental and fascinating recreation, far 

 exceeding that derived from the glare and suffo- 

 cation of a theatre, or even from the levelling 

 monotony of cards. 



(70.) There is a quietness and a placidity in all 

 that relates to nature, which is particularly congenial 

 to the spirit of a good man, and which renders his 

 pleasures independent of the auxiliary aid of the 

 world. They are beyond the influence even of 

 fashion ; they do not, necessarily, bring with them 

 contentions for superiority, the murmurings of envy, 

 or the miseries of disappointment. The true 

 naturalist loves science for her own worth, — for her 

 own dignity. He quits the haunts of folly and of 

 idleness, for his study: there, in converse with a 

 friend of kindred spirit, or, if blessed with a family, 

 with those of his own circle, he enjoys the pure de- 

 light of receiving or of imparting knowledge. There 

 is always some new fact to be imparted, some new 

 book to be talked of, or some new acquisition to be 

 shown and admired. The man of business wants 

 relaxation ; but when that is sought for in the excite- 

 ment of mixed society, or of public amusements, 

 diversion may, perhaps, be found, but repose cannot. 

 The man, whose profession keeps him in the bustling 

 scenes of life the greater part of the day, must 

 choose his recreations either abroad or at home. 

 By all but the gay and giddy, who have yet to learn 

 what the world really is, the latter resort will be 

 preferred. But retired or domestic life does not 

 necessarily suppose idleness, and the cultivated mind 



