276 The New Forest : its History and its Scenery. 



of a country-side. Ornithologists have, however, themselves to 

 thank. With some honourable exceptions, I know no one so 

 greedy as a true ornithologist. The botanist does not uproot 

 every new flower which he discovers, but — for he loves them 

 too well — carefully spares some plants to grow and increase ; 

 whilst few ornithologists rest content till they see the specimen 

 safe in their cabinets. This, I suppose, must be, from the 

 nature of the study, the case. Still, however, the love for 

 Nature, and the enthusiasm which it gives, must be regarded 

 as a far greater oifset. And here let me, for the last time, say 

 that I feel sure that nobody knows anything of the true charms 

 of the country who is ignorant of natural history. With the 

 slightest love and knowledge of it, then every leaf is full of 

 meaning, every pebble a history, every torn branch, gilded with 

 lichens, and silvered with mosses, has its wonders to tell; and 

 you will find life in the dust, and beauty in the commonest 

 weed. 





View in Buckhill Wood. 



276 



