OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. 289 



journs abroad, and has already begun to supply a 

 fund of information respecting the geology of our 

 Indian possessions, as well as of every other point 

 where English intellect and research can pene- 

 trate. 



(324.) Nothing can be more desirable than that 

 every possible facility and encouragement should be 

 afforded for such researches, and indeed to the pur- 

 suits of the enlightened resident or traveller in every 

 department of science, by the representatives of our 

 national authority wherever our power extends. By 

 these only can our knowledge of the actual state 

 of the surface of the globe, and that of the animals 

 and vegetables of the ancient continents and seas, be 

 extended and perfected, while more complete in- 

 formation than we at present possess of the habits of 

 those actually existing, and the influence of changes 

 of climate, food, and circumstances, on them, may 

 be expected to render material assistance to our 

 speculations respecting those which have become 

 extinct. 



