Revieiv of the Boston Journal of JWitural History. 381 



REVIEWS. 



Art. I. Boston Journal of JS\itural History^ Sf'C. Parti. J^o. 

 IV. Hilliard, Gray & Co. An Address delivered before the 

 Boston JS'atural History Society, June 7, 1837. By Hubbard 

 Winslow. Publisbed by the Society. Boston : Weeks, 

 Jordan & Co. 1837. 



We have just perused with much satisfaction the fourth and 

 concluding number of the first volume published by the Natural 

 History Society of this city. To any one familiar with the 

 splendid collection which graces its halls, and with the spirit 

 which develops itself among its members in the various branch- 

 es of the study of nature, this number will be of much interest. 

 The generosity displayed, in opening its cabinets to the public, 

 on appropriate seasons, exhibits also a laudable zeal for a diffu- 

 sion of knowledge and the creation of a taste among the com- 

 munity. We know not why the halls of science, where may be 

 found the prototypes and originals of all that is grand in art, 

 should not be the resort of the intelligent and enlightened, as 

 other places of public attention. The natural world has been 

 too much neglected, and the grandeur and beauty of its econo- 

 my overlooked. Amid the din and ceaseless bustle of social 

 life, it is refreshing to the senses, as well as instructive to the 

 heart and mind, to turn aside for a moment into these quiet nooks 

 of other pursuits, and snatch a fresh breath from the exhilarating 

 influence of nature. These moments of relaxation are neces- 

 sary to our well being; and oftentimes the study of a shell, or 

 the minute investigation of a moss, the analysis of organic mat- 

 ter, will save from dissipation and attendant ruin, many an indi- 

 vidual, whose idle time would have been otherwise wasted and 

 misspent. When, therefore, we see the spirit of enterprise for 

 such institutions spreading throughout our cities and towns, 

 whenever we bear of a new Society of Natural History, in its 

 every branch, we hail with inexpressible delight the prospect of 

 the diffusion of correct and sound principles towards a full and 

 more perfect system of improvement and instruction. We be- 

 lieve, that for the young, no sounder nor more judicious prepa- 

 ration for the reception of moral and intellectual truths could be 

 conceived nor followed, than the imbibing of a correct taste for 

 such studies; and we speak from experience when we say, that 

 to the old and advanced in life, no studies are so fascinating and 

 improving, so admirably calculated to afford satisfaction, to fill 

 up the blank of existence, naturally attendant on that period 



