22 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



We can all play our part loyally in the great and glorious 

 world in which we share a common heritage. Nature ennobles 

 and refines the emotions, and to-day, as a result of my life as 

 a Naturalist, I see reason, design, intelligence, beauty, grace, 

 dignity, use, wherever I go. The very ground over which I 

 tread teaches me something of the footprints of antiquity. Life 

 without a refining influence would be shallow indeed ; one must 

 always be ready to look into the mirror of knowledge. Much 

 has, of necessity, been left unwritten. I have merely endeavoured 

 to set down a general analysis of my impressions and experiences, 

 and, as a benediction, I may repeat with Morley Roberts : 



" In the Great Play that's never done 

 I have my part, a splendid one. 



No one can take this part from me, 

 'Twas cast at my nativity. 



For only Death who taketh all 

 Can end my hour majestical. 



What if I die and drift away ? 

 What if I weep ? 'Tis in the Play. 



I might have owned no garden sweet ; 

 No grass to cool my burning feet. 



I might have lived a lampless one. 

 Who lit no candle at the sun. 



And so I'll play the part I'm given, 



And for my hour thank Earth and Heaven." 



