CHAP. vi. CAREFUL OBSERVATION. 51 



himself. He was not satisfied with the observations of 

 others. He must get at the actual facts. He must 

 himself verify everything stated in books. 



He was not satisfied with the common opinion as 

 to the species or genus to which any individual of the 

 insect world belonged. He tested and tried everything 

 by the touchstone of science and careful observation. 

 If he had any doubts about an insect, from a gnat to a 

 dragon-fly, he would search out the grub, watch the 

 process of its development from the larva and chrysalis 

 state, until the fly emerged before him in unquestion- 

 able identity. It will thus be observed that he was 

 from the first imbued with the true scientific animu? ; 

 and in the same spirit he continued to find out and 

 discover the true workings of Nature. 



The Thurso people did not quite understand the 

 proceedings of their young baker. He made good bread, 

 and his biscuits were the best in the town. But he 

 was sometimes seen coming back from the country 

 bespattered with mud, perhaps after a forty or fifty 

 miles' journey on the moors in search of specimens. 

 What were they to make of this extraordinary conduct ? 

 It could have no connection with baking. What could 

 he have been doing during these long journeys ? 



He was now doing fairly in business. He was not 

 yet distracted by the competition that afterwards ruined 

 him. His wants were very small. He had only him- 

 self and his housekeeper to provide for. He was 

 accordingly able to save money, and with his surplus 

 capital he bought books. 



