156 ~~ ~=«O'Notice of British Naturalists. 
occasional visits. ‘Thus his days passed tranquil and serene, with 
scarcely any other vicissitude than those of the seasons, till they 
closed at a mature age, on the 26th June, 1793.” His work, 
consisting of letters addressed to Mr. Pennant, and which, in the 
original edition, is a thick quarto volume, illustrated with plates, 
is a singular instance how much may be effected in a very small 
sphere by a joint habit of observation, and of noting down every 
thing as it occurs. We lose constantly many interesting pal- 
ticulars, from neglecting to make a memorandum of them at the 
time ; they may at the moment appear to be of very slight im- 
portance, but each year will add to their value, and each separate 
circumstance connects the foregoing with some general principles. 
He who tries this plan is soon surprised to discover what a large 
mass of curious information he brings together. It is the founda- 
tion of the success of fictitious writings, that human nature, de- 
picted exactly as it is—the manners and sayings either of indi- 
viduals or great classes of men, faithfully recorded—always prove 
highly interesting and popular. This, if the description be but 
graphic and faithful, is equally true as regards the habits and in- 
stinets of the inferior creatures ; and what White di¢, all persons 
of any literary taste are equally capable of accomplishing. As# 
clergyman, confined to his parish, which he seldom appears ' 
have left, and diligently engaged in his duties, the only time in 
which he could indulge this taste, was during the hours of te 
laxation and exercise; and having once attained the habit of 
daily making notes, the time required for doing so was very little 
and such as every one has at his disposal. It is to such observa 
tions, rather than from the labors of professed naturalists, that 
for the present at least, we must look for the progress of natt 
history in this country. We must depend upon individual effort 
for combined results; and it is an encouragment that one need not 
be an accomplished naturalist, or one by profession, in order ! 
make useful observations. Pennant, in a short essay attached 
to his zodlogy, has particularly pressed the attention of clergy- 
men to this study. There certainly is no reason why they sho 
neglect, and there are many cogent reasons why they shoul 
cultivate it. Country clergymen often enjoy many facilities for 
its successful prosecution ; while classical knowledge and literary 
habits render them peculiarly fit for making discoveries 4” 
