48 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



pillars; his study, considered abstractedly from 

 the various branches of science which it embraces, 

 is one of the most delightful occupations that can 

 employ the attention of reasoning beings; a beauti- 

 ful landscape, grateful objects, pleasures received 

 by the eye or the senses, become the common pro- 

 perty of all who can enjoy them, being in some 

 measure obvious to every one ; but the naturalist 

 must reflect upon hidden things, investigate by 

 comparison, and testify by experience, and living 

 amidst the wonders of creation, it becomes his occu- 

 pation to note and proclaim such manifestations of 

 wisdom or goodness as may be perceived by him. 

 And perhaps none of the amusements of human life 

 are more satisfactory and dignified, than the inves- 

 tigation and survey of the workings and ways of 

 Providence in this created world of wonders, filled 

 with his never-absent power ; it occupies and ele- 

 vates the mind, is inexhaustible in supply, and, 

 while it furnishes meditation for the closet of the 

 studious, gives to the reflections of the moralizing 

 rambler admiration and delight, and is an engaging 

 companion, that will communicate an interest to 

 every rural walk. We need not live with the 

 humble denizens of the air, the tenants of the woods 

 and hedges, or the grasses of the field ; but to pass 

 them by in utter disregard, is to neglect a large 

 portion of rational pleasure open to our view, which 

 may edify and employ many a passing hour, and 

 by easy gradations will often become the source 

 whence flow contemplations of the highest order. 



