OBSERVANCE OF FACTS. 309 



structure, manners, or history of such as are already 

 described. If we merely desire the acquisition of new 

 objects, there is a wide field in every quarter of the 

 globe, particularly in the warmer regions of both hemi- 

 spheres. Mr. Stephens, one of the most persevering of 

 our entomologists, has published the names of more than 

 ten thousand species of insects inhabiting Britain ; yet, 

 as every year brings with it fresh discoveries, who can 

 say when these are to cease ? The conchology of our 

 native seas is still furnishing new species to our col- 

 lectors ; while hundreds of the " soft creeping things ** 

 of the ocean, of strange forms or minute dimensions, 

 may be unknown arid unrecorded, even within the range 

 of our own coasts. Let not the young naturalist, there- 

 fore, imagine that he can discover nothing new even at 

 home: while, if he pursues his researches in foreign 

 climes, he may discover much more than he will ever be 

 able to investigate. An equally boundless field for ob- 

 servation lies open, as already intimated, in the manners 

 and habits of well-known species, almost daily before 

 our eyes. It is a misfortune resulting from the passion 

 for collecting, that nearly all naturalists are more bent 

 upon increasing the contents of their cabinets, than on 

 studying the economy of those living objects which are 

 perpetually crossing their path. 



(375.) The observation of facts, connected with the 

 habits and economy of living animals, should therefore 

 be a primary object with all naturalists, nor can its im- 

 portance be too strongly impressed on the mind of the 

 young student. It is not only the most pleasing, but 

 one of the most essential departments of zoology ; since 

 the knowledge of the system of nature must be mainly 

 supported by such facts, brought together, and applied 

 to illustrate general truths. It is also the most popular, 

 because it may be prosecuted without the aid of scien- 

 tific acquirements. Almost every one, having the least 

 taste for natural history, will peruse with pleasure a 

 well-written account of an animal, whose habits, man- 

 ners, and modes of living are not generally known, 

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