AS RELATED TO INTELLECT. 39 



such a background where the thought can rest, or 

 run back through the ages and there is none that 

 gives more strength of mind by its pursuit. 



We have thus far referred to the struggles of 

 mind in unfolding the plan of nature ; but has the 

 mission of Natural History been accomplished in 

 its influence upon the great men who have passed 

 away, or is its effect upon mind but beginning to 

 manifest its power? The men already mentioned 

 would have been great in any pursuit. They were 

 lights, though doubtless having greater brilliancy 

 from their peculiar study. Are their works still 

 to quicken and strengthen the mental powers of 

 those who are to come after them ; or has the work 

 been done once for all, and is there nothing left for 

 us but to admire the deeds of those giants, without 

 drinking in strength from the same fountain that 

 gave mental vigor to them ? 



If we mistake not, Natural History is but in the 

 morning twilight of its day of influence. Cast the 

 eye along the shelves of any well-filled library, and 

 see the volumes that have been written to record 

 the labors thus far accomplished. There are Pliny, 



