128 ABOUT THE WEATHER. 



the progress of all studies, the understanding of Nature, 

 is scarcely possible except in foreign regions, we gain the 

 explanation of another phenomenon in the history of Man- 

 kind, which at first appears enigmatical and inexplicable, 

 namely, the fact that in every study having the most 

 remote connexion with Natural Science, and particularly 

 in this itself, all progress is most intimately dependant 

 on the extension of our geographical knowledge, that the 

 Naturalist though constantly encompassed by one Nature, 

 knows no higher enjoyment than travel, that he often 

 even with mistaken contempt for that which his own 

 neighbourhood affords, grasps at exotic treasures, that 

 hot-houses and herbaria have become indispensible to the 

 Botanist, and Zoological gardens and collections to the 

 Zoologist. 



Had I wished to give a more adequate representation, 

 I could but trace out a hasty sketch of the great 

 picture teeming with life ; let me hope that I have suc- 

 ceeded at least in making out the principal features with 

 sufficient clearness and distinctness. In any case, I have 

 so managed matters, that if the question be asked, " Was 

 it interesting ?" the answer will be, with a shrug, " Well 

 now, he talked of nothing but the Weather." 



