PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC ARRANGEMENT. 141 



with the pursuit than this mere knowledge of species, 

 and yet from which it emanates. There is a higher 

 object to be achieved than the accumulation of a store 

 of them, arranged in seemly order, set with manifest 

 taste, and named in accordance with the accepted no- 

 menclature. These are extremely pleasing to the eye, 

 but the intellect languishes over them in unsatisfied 

 desire, craving more solid aliment. There is besides 

 room for observation on every side, either confirmatory 

 or original, and both are much needed, and must be 

 considerably augmented before it is accumulated in 

 satisfactory abundance; and until this be procured, 

 existing systems can be viewed merely as temporarily 

 useful, for until all that nature can teach shall be ex- 

 hausted, perfection cannot be attained. 



The many kinds of knowledge which the study sub- 

 serves, and the recreation and pleasure each affords, are 

 a sufficient reply to the sneering Cui bono ? of its detrac- 

 tors, who, when they urge that it occupies time which 

 might be more profitably employed, present themselves 

 but as the priests of the Fetish of the age, and may be 

 told that we use it only as a relaxation to necessary 

 worldly toils. When pursued, in cases where it can be 

 so, in unmolested security, is there a more salutary pur- 

 suit than that which inculcates the high veneration and 

 love which the study of nature should inspire towards 

 the Great Parent of all? What can compete with it in 

 other studies? The investigation of the works of the 

 Almighty lead directly to the steps of the altar of reli- 

 gion, arid there we find the study of the Works confirmed 

 by the precepts of the Word, both inculcating humble 

 reverence and fervent love. Thus pursued, is it not a 

 reply to every cavil ? 



