192 A GENERAL VIEW OF THE 



an inviting aspect to the study. All thisj perhaps, may be im- 

 proved. 



The Linnsean methods of classification are undoubtedly the easi- 

 est; but, based upon insufficient data, and looking chiefly to isolated 

 facts, they have not that bearing or dependence upon those general 

 views which are now taken of the kingdom of Nature. These me- 

 thods have, therefore, been called artificial schemes ; but this is not 

 an appropriate term to bestow upon a system of classification which, 

 however imperfect our increased knowledge of Nature may shew it 

 to be, has done, and will yet do, a great deal in promoting a taste 

 for Natural History, by presenting an easy and inviting introduc- 

 tion to a wide and difficult study. But Linnrcus was the first to 

 point out the desirableness of the natural method, indicating it as a 

 pursuit worthy of a philosopher, though he thought it would be too 

 difficult for the young scholar, because it depends upon such an ex- 

 tended series of mutual relations as can be understood only by a 

 comprehensive view of the whole of the animal, vegetable, and mi- 

 neral creation. The interpretation of Nature in her innumerable 

 forms is, indeed, no easy task ; and even now — as will always be 

 the case in so vast a field — diflerences of opinion exist, controversies 

 and discussions are going on upon many points ; so that to the young 

 naturalist there appears to be great difficulties iu the study. All 

 these, however, are more apparent than real. It must be remem- 

 bered that as yet a part only of a great system has been discovered ; 

 therefore, discussions and differences of opinion are the means — the 

 necessary means — for finding out that which is not, and for stamp- 

 ing a true value upon that which is, known. 



I mention these things that you may not be discouraged by en- 

 tering upon the study of Nature at a period of excitement and 

 great change, while the workmen are all variously engaged uj)on 

 detached points, and while, as yet, little seems securely settled. 

 Remember that the proportions and beauty of a structure are hardly 

 to be made out while surrounded by a mass of materials, and before 

 those which are not wanted have been cleared away. 



The great truths of progressive development throughout all or- 

 ganized beings, and th^ very gradual transition of the simple into 

 the more complex forms, are now firmly established and agreed to 

 on all sides : the difficulties lie in separating and characterizing par- 

 ticular groups, for the purposes of classification, from those which 

 stand on either side in the extended chain of being. 



A system of Natural History will include Zoology, Botany, and 



