348 Audubon’s Ornithology, First Volume. 
The book of nature expounds the works of Omnipotence ; and 
what grander, what more dignified, or what more ennobling _ 
study can occupy the human mind? If, as has been well said — 
by one of the best of English poets, 
“ The undevout astronomer is mad,” 
what are we to think of him who contemplates—not objects, all 
inquiry into whose nature, is utterly futile—but, those whose pro- 
perties he can distinguish, whose structure he can examine, and 
whose economy he can explore, without feelings of awe and 
wonder at the power that contrived ae ? 
The good effects of the study of natural history in a simply 
moral point of view, are even more apparent, if it be possible, 
and more inevitable than in that of religion. That proverb is a 
trite one, but on that account only the more true, which tells us 
that idleness is the root of all evil. And how fearfully true is it 
that nine tenths of the immorality that pervades society, origi- 
nates in the first place from a want of some occupation at least 
harmless, to fill up vacant time. If, therefore, the study of the 
natural sciences are as attractive as they have been shown to be 
beneficial—sufliciently so to occupy the idle hours of him who 
has nothing else to do, even if it conduces to nothing beyond a 
prevention of the effects of idleness, must necessarily exert a 
beneficial moral influence, apart from the religious feelings in- 
spired. at it is thus attractive, who can doubt, that looks upon 
it as it is—a recreation rather than a study; a means of acquir- 
ing as well as of preserving health, and a never failing source of 
pleasure? Let him, if he still doubts, read the poetic and ani- 
mated pages of the Wilsons and the Audubons, and other kindred 
spirits, and he cannot fail of being himself inspired with a love 
for their pursuits. It has been well remarked by Swainson, that 
‘the tediousness of a country life is proverbial ; but did we ever 
hear this complaint from a naturalist? Never; every man who 
in his walks derives interest from the works of creation, is in 
spirit both a naturalist and a philosopher. ‘To him every season 
of the year is doubly interesting. With each succeeding month 
new races of animals and plants rise into existence, and become 
new objects for his research ; these in their turn pass away, and 
ee led by others, cuit autumn fades into winter, and both 
and the vegetable world sink into repose.” 
