STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 41 



conveniences of a similar nature, have rendered the 

 practice now unnecessary. With us this bad custom is 

 declining, and probably in time will cease altogether. 



IT is rather a subject of surprise, that in our general 

 associations and commixtures in life, in times so highly 

 enlightened as the present, when many ancient preju- 

 dices are gradually flitting away, as reason and science 

 dawn on mankind, we should meet with so few, com- 

 paratively 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 his- 

 torian is required to attend to something more than the 

 vagaries of butterflies, and the spinnings of caterpillars ; 

 his study,, considered abstractedly from the various 

 branches of science which it embraces, Is one of the 

 most delightful occupations that can employ the atten- 

 tion of reasoning beings : a beautiful landscape, grateful 

 objects, pleasures received by the eye or the senses, be- 

 come the common property 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 occupa- 

 tion 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 satis- 

 factory and dignified, than the investigation and survey 

 of the workings and ways of Providence in this created 

 world of wonders, filled with his never-absent power; 

 it occupies and elevates the mind, is inexhaustible in 

 supply, and, while it furnishes meditation for the closet 

 of the studious, gives to the reflections of the moralizing 

 rambler admiration and delight, and is an engaging com- 

 panion, that will communicate an interest to every rural 

 walk. We need not live with the humble denizens of 

 the air, the tenants of the woods arjd hedges, or the 

 D2 



