50 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



IT is rather a subject of surprise, that in our gene- 

 ral associations and commixtures in life, in times 

 so highly enlightened as the present, when many 

 ancient prejudices are gradually flitting away, as 

 reason and science dawn on mankind, we should 

 meet with so few, comparatively speaking, who have 

 any knowledge of, or take the least interest in 

 natural history ; or if the subject obtain a moment's 

 consideration, it has no abiding place in the mind, 

 being dismissed as the fitting employ of children 

 and inferior capacities. But the natural historian 

 is required to attend to something more than the 

 vagaries of butterflies, and the spinnings of cater- 

 pillars ; his study, considered abstractedly from the 

 various branches of science which it embraces, is 

 one of the most delightful occupations that can 

 employ the attention of reasoning beings : a beauti- 

 ful landscape, grateful objects, pleasures received 

 by the eye or the senses, become the common pro- 

 perty of all who can enjoy them, being in some 

 measure obvious to every one ; but the naturalist 

 must reflect upon hidden things, investigate by 

 comparison, and testify by experience, and living 

 amidst the wonders of creation, it becomes his occu- 

 pation to note and proclaim such manifestations of 

 wisdom or goodness as may be perceived by him. 

 And perhaps none of the amusements of human life 

 are more satisfactory and dignified, than the inves- 



