26 MODERN HISTORY 



and valuable information it contains condensed into a small 

 compass. It is altogether the best short elementary book 

 on natural history in any language. 



Tliis great zoologist has not only contributed many new 

 observations to the science, and enriched it with excellent 

 elementary works, but he has collected a very extensive and 

 valuable Museum for the illustration of comparative ana- 

 tomy and zoology. A similar collection has been made by 

 SoEMMERRiNG, at Munich. 



Of the magnificent cabinet of natural history belonging 

 to the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, report speaks very highly : 

 it seems to be unrivalled, in the number, beauty, and ar- 

 rangement of the specimens of the animal kingdom. Of 

 the part which relates to comparative anatomy I have not 

 met with any detailed account, except that the osteological 

 department is peculiarly rich. 



I have great pleasure in hearing that a zoological collec- 

 tion has begun at the British Museum ; because without 

 such aid the study of the science must be prosecuted under 

 great difiiculties, and must necessarily languish. This de- 

 partment is under the direction of Dr. Leach, whose zeal, 

 abilities, and scientific knowledge are a sufficient assurance 

 to us that nothing will be omitted which the zealous devo- 

 tion of an individual can accomplish. 



In the unrivalled library of Sir Joseph Banks, and in 

 the more uncommon liberality with which it is open to all 

 who are engaged in scientific pursuits, the naturalists of this 

 country enjoy an eminent advantage. The powerful and 

 munificent patronage of this public-spirited individual is 

 freely bestowed on all branches of science : it is not con- 

 fined to the cold sanction of a bare assent, but takes the form 

 of active and warm assistance in all scientific undertakings 

 that promise to promote public utility. Zoology has been 

 a favourite pursuit with himself: the tie of a common object 

 united him closely to Mr. Hunter ; and he has ever shewn 

 a disposition to promote the views of this College respect- 

 ing the Museum, which entitles him to the particular gra- 

 titude of its members; as his general character and con- 



