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tory notes in writing out an account of the species; naming it, 

 if the form be unknown to science; and suggesting a place for 

 it in the system. This is simply a brief outline of the ideal path 

 along which a biologist works, and hints as to the methods he 

 adopts in his researches. Below this, his studies may be carried 

 to any stage of completeness he desires, and I have known- of 

 youthful naturalists who have accomplished truly remarkable 

 results by means of the most rudimentary appliances, and 

 scarcely any assistance beyond the aid of a text-book or two in 

 elementary zoology. 



Fortunately in these days when a parent discovers that a 

 child has taken to capturing snakes, shooting and skinning 

 birds, drawing and painting butterflies and beetles, and pos- 

 sesses similar traits that become only more pronounced through 

 opposition, the road is very clear as to what is to be done, for 

 biology, elementary and otherwise, is completely woven into the 

 very tissue and substance of our public-school system, and the 

 best advice to be given in the premises is to suggest to the 

 principal of the school to allow that particular pupil to add the 

 elementary course in biology to his list of studies. Time will 

 very soon demonstrate whether or no an embryo in biology is 

 incubating. Should it happen that one is, then open every ave- 

 nue to his or her requirements, for, indeed, good naturalists 

 come not to us every day, and biological science rejoices in the 

 acquisition of capable recruits to its ranks. Moreover in these 

 days there is abundant room and occupation for them, and the 

 world is wiser and better for their coming. Throw the books and 

 the "paint-box" and the dissecting set in their way, and, to tell 

 the truth, I know of no better mental training for any career in 

 practical life than the one offered by a course in biology. A 

 large share of success in life depends upon good powers of ob- 

 servation, the appreciation of the experience of others, and the 

 logical application of these two combined. If a boy contem- 

 plates a course in medicine, for example, fortunate for him in- 

 deed is it has he the patience and understanding to obtain a 

 score of crayfishes, and, with Huxley's book on the subject, sit 

 down and master what is contained in those common-sense, 

 philosophic pages, for should he do so, I will stake my life upon 

 it, he will have acquired a kind of knowledge and a training that 

 will stand him in good stead at every stage of his career,and give 

 him a preparation that will easily enable him to outstrip his fel- 



