68 THE REV. J. G. WOOD. 



caverned libraries of the past. But true science will breathe life 

 into that dead mass, and fill the study of zoology with poetry and 

 spirit. 



Such digressions from the main principle of the 

 work occur not uncommonly throughout the three 

 volumes, generally at the close of a chapter if such 

 the divisions of the book may rightly be termed where 

 the leading characteristics of a group of animals are 

 being summed up, and a few general conclusions drawn. 

 And in most cases they illustrate one of the leading 

 principles of his writings of which he often spoke to 

 intimate friends, although never formulating it in print 

 namely, that in writing books of such a character as 

 his own, religious instruction, while it should never be 

 brought obtrusively forward, could and should always 

 be afforded by implication. More than once, when 

 writing for magazines of an avowedly religious cha- 

 racter, editorial additions were inserted after the proofs 

 had passed through his hands, generally consisting of 

 Scriptural quotations Avhich seemed specially applicable 

 to the subject under treatment. These always made 

 him furious, and usually resulted in a strong letter of 

 expostulation ; for he was accustomed to say that, while 

 he always endeavoured to teach religion in all that he 

 wrote, he never attempted to force it upon his readers, 

 but always left them to gather it half-unconsciously 

 from the general tenor of his writings. si sic omnes I 



