APPENDIX. 481 



can lie apply his map to use ; pointing out its several 

 objects, in nature, and being thus enabled to record 

 his observations, without error or hesitation. Thus 

 also does he learn to see the mutual relations of dis- 

 tant strata, and to form the general plan of investiga- 

 tions to be afterwards verified by insulated observa- 

 tions. Nor can the possessor of this faculty long- 

 lose his way, even in the intricacies of a mountainous 

 country ; since, to him, the place of the sun is always 

 known, while in every stream and every inclination of 

 a stratum, be finds a pilot. The geologist who can- 

 not be his own guide through unknown mountains, 

 may be assured that he is but ill fitted for the work 

 he has chosen. 



The last qualification required is the art of drawing; 

 the almost universal neglect of which forms one of 

 the most singular defects in a modern scientific edu- 

 cation. If it is difficult to proceed without it, in any 

 of the practical sciences, it is indispensable in every 

 branch of Natural history. There are a thousand 

 objects which, from their bulk, or minuteness, or 

 other causes, cannot be preserved ; while, of many, 

 verbal descriptions, however careful, are useless or in- 

 efficient : yet we have to regret that naturalists and 

 travellers, in neglecting this simple acquirement, have 

 rendered their labours nearly fruitless. It holds at 

 least the next rank to the art of writing and reading ; 

 which might indeed be often well exchanged for it in 

 these cases. If it is by letters that mind communicates 

 with mind, it is by drawing, alone, that tangible and 

 visible forms can be conveyed to the apprehension. It 

 is the language of physical, as the former is of meta- 

 physical knowledge. Thus also is it a valuable means 

 of mental discipline ; a great moral engine for the 

 cultivation of the faculties. Whatever the inexperi- 



VOL II. II 



