2O EXCURSIONS ROUND LONDON, 



the vivid tints in the wings of the butterfly, 

 and the elegant and brilliant plumage of 

 many cf our own domestic birds, as well 

 as of those brought from foreign countries. 

 I might dwell much longer upon this sub- 

 ject : but my intention was merely to im- 

 press on your minds, that the whole of 

 creation displays to our view a series of 

 wonders, the contemplation of which af- 

 fords an inexhaustible source of ration- 

 al delight. The world, which you are 

 about to enter, will offer to your acceptance 

 enjoyments of a far different nature: but 

 neither its dazzling pleasures, nor the fri- 

 volous amusements of society, can ever be 

 put in competition with the exalted enjoy- 

 ments which may be derived from the study 

 of nature. The former leave a void in the 

 mind, while the latter always afford the 

 highest satisfaction. The former are fre- 

 quently followed by remorse, while the 

 latter fill the mind with complacency and 

 delight. The former, moreover, quickly 

 3 produce 



