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mind, being dismissed as the fitting employ of children and in- 

 ferior capacities. But the natural historian is required to at- 

 tend to something more than the vagaries of butterflies, and the 

 spinnings of caterpillars ; his study, considered abstractedly 

 from the various branches of science which it embraces, is one 

 of the most delightful occupations that can employ the attention 

 of reasoning beings. A beautiful landscape, grateful objects, 

 pleasures received by the eye or the senses, become the common 

 property of all who can enjoy them, being in some measure ob- 

 vious to every one ; but the naturalist must reflect upon hidden 

 things, investigate by comparison, and testify by experience ; 

 and, living amidst the wonders of creation, it becomes his occu- 

 pation to note and proclaim such manifestations of wisdom or 

 goodness as may be perceived by him. And perhaps none of 

 the amusements of human life are more satisfactory and digni- 

 fied than the investigation and survey of the workings and ways 

 of Providence in this created world of wonders, filled with his 

 never absent power : it occupies and elevates the mind, is inex- 

 haustible in supply, and, while it furnishes meditation for the 

 closet of the studious, gives to the reflections of the moralizing 

 rambler admiration and delight, and is an engaging companion 

 that will communicate an interest to every rural walk. We 

 need not live with the humble denizens of the air, the tenants 

 of the woods and hedges, or the grasses of the field ; but, to 

 pass them by in utter disregard, is to neglect a large portion of 

 rational pleasure open to our view, which may edify and em- 

 ploy many a passing hour ; and, by easy gradations, will often 

 become the source whence flow contemplations of the highest 

 orders. Young minds cannot, I should conceive, be too strong- 

 ly impressed with the simple wonders of creation by which they 

 are surrounded. In the race of life they may be passed by, the 

 occupation of existence may not admit attention to them, or the 

 increasing cares of the world may smother early attainments, 

 but they can never be injurious, will give a bias to a reason- 

 ing mind, and tend, in some after thoughtful sober hour, to 

 comfort and to soothe. The little insights that we have ob- 

 tained into Nature's works, are, many of them, the offspring of 

 scientific research ; and, uncertain as our labours are, yet a brief 

 gleam will occasionally lighten the darksome path of the humble 

 inquirer, and give him a momentary glimpse of hidden truths. 



