REV. MR BAIRD's ADDRESS. 18 



inanimate objects, — the knowledge, in short, of that fair world which 

 is destined to be the present habitation of our species, and of those 

 wondrous works whereby the great Creator so conspicuously manifests 

 himself to his creatures ; and whereby, likewise, is so clearly shewn 

 his great and glorious character. Such a knowledge, we say, must 

 surely appear of all others (religious knowledge excepted), not only as 

 the most interesting, but also as the most reasonable and the most 

 adapted to our present situation ; and well, therefore, has it obtained 

 the name of Natural Knowledge. 



But it is not my present purpose either formally to enumerate the 

 advantages of natural histoiy, or to give an answer to the question 

 which has so often been asked, Of what importance, or of what avail, 

 are the pursuits of the naturalist ? That question has often been already 

 most satisfactorily answered, and, however interesting or important 

 might be its discussion in some quarters, it fortunately is not necessary 

 in our present circumstances. We are already sufficiently convinced 

 both of the utility and importance of such pursuits as those for which 

 this Club was instituted ; and even though this utility were less capable 

 of being proved than we conceive it is, we are sufficiently satisfied with 

 the simple pleasure which the following of such pursuits affords, and 

 with the simple information and the rational amusements which we 

 thence derive. 



The advantages to natural science in general of such an institution 

 as the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, must be equally obvious without 

 attempting a formal statement or investigation. Oiu' labours are 

 limited to a certain district, — we have a distinct and a specific field for 

 exertion, — and we are thus led more rainutely to examine into Nature's 

 works and Nature's wonders, as well as more regularly to record our 

 observations, than if our field of examination were more extensive, and 

 our object were more general and undefined. There is, besides, the 

 very useful spirit of honourable competition to stimulate our exertions, 

 and, as the reward of these exertions, there is the pleasure and the 

 satisfaction which, we know, awaits even our most trifling contribution 

 to the general stock of knowledge. 



When these, and many other advantages, which will readily suggest 

 themselves, are considered, it is not unreasonable to expect from the 

 exertions of such a body, many interesting discoveries and important 

 additions to the natural history of our country, and many curious facts 

 affecting the state of natural science in general, which, but for the 

 establishment of such an institution, had remained in darkness and 

 obscurity. Nor, as far as regards the Naturalists' Club of Berwickshire, 

 are we disappointed in these expectations ; an institution, the second 

 anniversary of which we are now assembled to celebrate, — an institu- 

 tution which, from its first formation, has been daily increasing both 

 in numbers and respectability, and the labours of which, we are proud 

 to say, have been neither insignificant nor unsuccessful. It belongs 



