450 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



them ; and they would therefore strive, by study, to 

 reach that proficiency which was the sole qualifica- 

 tion for admission. That such a feeling would sti- 

 mulate many of those who are now content with 

 moderate acquirements, is perfectly obvious; and 

 that this study would lead to a great extension of 

 knowledge, is no less evident. We must confess, 

 that if no steps are taken by the present council to 

 raise the scientific character of the Royal Society, 

 or by the government to distinguish in some way 

 our men of science, we cannot but wish to see 

 such an association as the above matured and 

 embodied : and we should desire it upon the 

 ground, that it would effect present and future 

 good ; that it would serve as a nucleus for assembling 

 together those few of our first-rate philosophers 

 whose names are now scattered among hundreds of 

 amateurs, in dozens of societies; and that, under the 

 auspices of such men, a tone and a vigour would be 

 given to the science of Britain, which it seems almost 

 hopeless to expect from any other quarter. 



