1070 



Art. CCXXXIV. — Notice of ' Essays on Natural History, chiefly 

 Ornithology.^ By Charles Waterton, Esq. Author of 'Wan- 

 derings in South America.' Second Series. London : Long- 

 mans, 1844. 



The greater portion of this delightful little volume, as may be ga- 

 thered from its title, is devoted to Mr. Waterton's favourite science. 

 Ornithology ; still, it contains quite enough of botanical matter, and 

 that, too, of the most pleasing character, to render it a legitimate sub- 

 ject for a notice in our pages. Even were it otherwise, we should 

 deem it but a partial discharge of the debt of gratitude due to the 

 memory of one, who laboured long and ardently in the cause of sci- 

 ence, to aid by our humble efforts the kindly motive which has led 

 to the appearance of the present volume of Essays. 



The author informs us, in his brief Preface, that when the late Mr. 

 Loudon requested him to write a few papers which might be formed 

 into " a little book of Essays," he had awful fears, lest, in disregard- 

 ing the wholesome truth conveyed in the Spanish adage, — • " Happy 

 is the man who has written no more than one book," — he should lose 

 the reputation he had formerly gained by the 'Wanderings.' "Great 

 then indeed," continues Mr. Waterton," must be my anxiety on the 

 present occasion, when I am rash enough to deviate another time from 

 the Spanish line of certitude, into the mazes of chance and danger ; 

 where the track which I am to pursue is ill defined and flinty, and 

 may possibly lead me and my new little book into some quagmire or 

 other ; there to perish without assistance ; the scorn of the critics, 

 and the pity of disappointed friends. However, be this as it may, 

 my die is cast, my steam is on, and I am already at the opposite bank 

 of the Rubicon." 



In a subsequent paragraph, the author playfully defies the attacks 

 of the critics ; telling them that he again offers them half a day of 

 occupation, for which they ought to be thankful, " at a season when 

 work is not always to be obtained." But what critic could dip his 

 pen in gall and therewith record a philippic against a work called in- 

 to being by one of the holiest impulses that can direct human actions ? 

 Who could direct an envenomed shaft against this second volume of 

 Essays, after reading the following passage ? 



" The volume which I now present to an indulgent public, is an unsolicited dona- 

 tion to the widow of my poor departed friend Mr. Loudon, whose vast labours in the 

 cause of science have insured to him an imperishable reputation. If this trifling pre- 

 sent on my part shall be the medium of conveying one single drop of balm to the 



