142 MEMOIR OF 



by so much as they might indulge it, diminish 

 their power of pursuing hereafter the study of any 

 department of nature with success. 



Let them, therefore, postpone the gratification 

 of their wishes as ever they would avoid being 

 numbered with that large class of individuals 

 who, by having had their attention too soon 

 directed to such branches of knowledge, have 

 ultimately attained scarcely a mediocrity in any. 



It may also be permitted to remark on the 

 collateral advantages of a moral and religious 

 nature which result to the individual himself, 

 who, with the requisite education, pursues 

 Natural History either as his chief occupation, or 

 for purposes of mere amusement or relaxation. 

 The attention of the naturalist is directed to the 

 immediate works of Deity, which are the realized 

 perceptions of whatever seems beautiful and wise 

 to His infinite intelligence. These pursuits also 

 lead him to the continual observation of the 

 specimens of design apparent in the works of 

 nature, and which are the primary proofs of the 

 existence and attributes of God.* 



* The utility of Natural History in this respect has been 

 so extensive, that owing to the advancement it has made 

 within comparatively a short space of time, such a phenome- 

 non as an avowed speculative atheist which not unfrequently 

 presented itself to our forefathers, is now almost unknown. 

 The reader acquainted with Paley's Natural Theology 

 will be aware to what excellent effect the different de- 

 partments of physical science are there applied. The 

 service it has rendered to religion is one of the highest 

 recommendations of Natural History, and which, presented 



