INTRODUCTION. 39 



time more varied. In whatever place or at whatever 

 time one may be disposed to take a walk, in the most 

 sublime scenes, or on the bleakest wastes, on arid 

 downs, or by the margins of rivers or lakes, inland, 

 or by the sea-shore, in the wild or on the cultivated 

 ground, and in all kinds of weather and all seasons of 

 the year, nature is open to our inquiry. The sky 

 over us, the earth beneath our feet, the scenery around, 

 the animals that gambol in the open spaces, those that 

 hide themselves in coverts, the birds that twitter on 

 the wing, sing in the grove, ride upon the wave, or 

 float along the sky, with the fishes that tenant the 

 waters, the insects that make the summer air alive, 

 all that God has made, is to us for knowledge and 

 pleasure, and usefulness and health ; and when we 

 have studied and known the wonders of his workman- 

 ship, we have made one important step toward the 

 adoration of His omnipotence, and obedience to His 

 will. 



E 2 



