A SKETCH OF GEOLOGY. 27 



certain species in which the extreme forms are so different irom each other 

 that any one finding only these two extremes, would be fully justified in de- 

 scribing them as different species, but increased material furnishes intermediate 

 forms connecting those extremes into one species. 



Before closing these introductory remarks, I will copy from an English writer 

 some observations which show the beneficial influence of the cultivation of 

 natural sciences upon the minds and morals of the people, words which should 

 be well remembered by every parent looking to the welfare of his child ; by 

 every teacher aiming by his labors to ennoble the mind and character of his 

 students ; and by every trustee of schools endeavoring to elevate those institu- 

 tions to real nurseries of the highest type of civilization. He remarks: "It is 

 fearfully true, that nine-tenths of the immorality which pervades the better 

 classes of society, originate from the want of an interesting occupation to fill 

 up their vacant time ; and as the study of natural sciences is as attractive as it 

 is beneficial, it must necessarily exert a moral and even religious influence upon 

 the young and inquiring mind. The youth who is fond of scientific pursuits 

 will not enter into revelry, for frivolous or vicious excitement will have no fas- 

 cinations for him. The overflowing cup, the unmeaning or dishonest game, will 

 not entice him. If any one doubts the beneficial influence of these studies on 

 the morals and character, I would ask him to point out the immoral young 

 man who is devotedly attached to any branch of natural science. I never 

 knew such an one, and if there are any, they are rare exceptions ; and the 

 loud clamors which are always raised against the man of science who errs, 

 prove how rarely the study of the works of nature fails to exert an ennobling 

 effect upon a well regulated mind. Fortunate, indeed, are the youth of either 

 sex, who early imbibe a taste for natural knowledge, and whose predilections 

 are not thwarted by injudicious friends." 



These remarks, based upon indisputable facts, show that the value of the 

 natural sciences ought not to be estimated only by their financial result, 

 which is, unfortunately, the only scale with which most people nowadays 

 measure, but also, and more deservedly so, by their ennobling influence upon 

 the hearts and brains of the human race. 



