MR selby's address. 89 



the field of discovery in the district we embrace, or even in the very 

 limited portion of it to which our walk this day has heen restricted, is 

 either exhausted or destitute of objects to reward the patient and 

 zealous disciple of nature. On the contrary, I feel confident that the 

 mine is still rich and productive, and that our provincial fauna may 

 yet, through our exertions, be greatly extended. "Witness, I may 

 almost say, the daily discovery of species, many of them new, others 

 which have not hitherto been observed within the limit of our district, 

 by our highly-gifted and respected associate, whose labours are at pre- 

 sent especially directed to those curious and interesting beings belong- 

 ing to the invertebrate class, and whose acute and microscopic eye 

 aided by the pencil of his amiable consort, has made us familiar with 

 the wonderful structure of many of those extraordinary creatures. 

 Witness, I may add, the specLtaens of the rare and elegant insect ex- 

 hibited this very day, and captured within view of the apartment in 

 which we are now assembled. 



But shoidd our research unexpectedly, and contrary to what I 

 really think can possibly happen, prove unrewarded by the discovery 

 of any thing new, or even rare, let not our ardour be depressed, or a 

 feeling of disappointment turn us aside from the contemplation of 

 Nature's lovely works ; for, though I admit the acquisition of a new 

 or unexpected object is accompanied with a feeling of a pleasant and 

 gratifying description, and is calculated to foster and increase our zeal, 

 still another, and in many cases an unexplored field, lies open to all 

 interested in these pursuits, suificient of itself to occupy our attention, 

 and reward the utmost labour we can bestow upon it, — I mean the 

 physiology and structure of what we ali-eady possess, or can at all 

 times easily acquire ; a study the most delightful, and at the same 

 time the most instructive ; a study which, in well-regulated minds, 

 cannot fail, by the wonders it discloses of consummate wisdom, admir- 

 able contrivance, and beautifvil adaptation, to improve and raise the 

 mind to that omnipotent and beneficent Being, the author of the 

 universe and all that it contains, and to call forth those feelings of 

 adoration, and gratitude, and love, the legitimate and only proper 

 objects of all our learning and scientific acquirements ; and which may 

 teach us to exclaim with the sacred poet of old, " He spake the word, 

 and they were made ; He commanded, and they stood fast," 



V. J. s. 



