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Notice of British Naturalists. 141 
difficulty is to fix their attention, and to give it a particular direc- 
tion; this once done, the rest must naturally follow. 
n the patronage of the public, the progress of science must 
| hecessarily depend. If no one will buy books, none will write 
them, and where there is no reward, there will be no laborers. 
We as @ nation aspire to eminence in science, and thus to com- 
mand the respect of the world, we must as a nation, cherish 
every species of scientific investigation, and the talents by which 
they are sustained. 
A nation is but a collection of individuals, and consequently a 
degree of this responsibility falls upon each person, in his own ap- 
Ptopriate sphere. The aggregate of grains of sand forms the beach 
of the sea, and each globule of water contributes to form the resist~ 
less wave, that breaks on the shore. It is true that ardent minds, 
impelled by their own innate energy, will sometimes advance in 
science without assistance, and that thus talents of a high order and 
Peculiar cast, may force their way into notice, notwithstanding 
all discouragements and difficulties; and being wholy dedicated 
'0 one subject, will finally achieve great results. Intense desire 
may produce intense action; but minds capable of such excite- 
ment and energy are rare ; and it cannot be doubted, that had they 
been encouraged by efficient aid, and warmly cherished by favor, 
they would have attained still more noble ends. The strength 
Which would carry them successfully through their journey, is 
Spent in overcoming the difficulties that thicken in the early part 
of the Way. Butall the various degrees of mental power are ne- 
fessary in science ; sound and unpretending as well as brilliant 
minds may be usefully employed. Most men will however, 
or only on such subjects as promise them final rewards. Even 
Senius may encounter peculiar discouragements ; and, necessity 
often directs its efforts to such pursuits as are most in request 
‘mong mankind. It is probable, that even of those few who 
have, perseveringly labored against hope, there was not one whose 
Mmagination did not hold out to him, however delusively, honor, _ 
‘molument or posthumuous fame, as his exceeding great reward ; 
Hor perhaps could he without this support have continued to strug- 
gle with Opposing difficulties. 
This country is full of active minds, and science commands a 
Portion of them to labor in its cause. "The names of Wilson, Bar- 
