96 LIGHT SCIENCE FOR LEISURE HOURS. 



profit can be gained by solving the problems associated 

 with the solar corona. The tree of science has its 

 blossoms as well as its fruits, and perhaps the results 

 of the observations we are advocating will belong to 

 the former rather than the latter. But what then? 

 Can we limit science to remunerative researches alone ? 

 As well might we attempt to get fruit from a tree 

 whose leaves and blossoms we systematically plucked 

 off. Latent though the power of science now is in 

 great part, yet science is the greatest power our country 

 possesses. It has been treated for a long while as a 

 troublesome beggar a few hundreds doled out here 

 and a few thousands there. The country does not yet 

 know its own interest. Because little has been asked, 

 it has thought little could be returned. The time is 

 coming when not hundreds or thousands will be asked 

 for science, but millions freely and eagerly given 

 when the example of other countries, rapidly passing 

 in advance of England through their scientific resources, 

 will force on our attention the folly of a system which 

 grants thirty millions yearly to secure the means of 

 carrying on war, and refuses a few paltry thousands to 

 secure the noblest portion of our strength. 



(From the Daily News for November 5, 1870.) 



