THE NATURALIST. 5 



to see you become a naturalist ; not one of that kind 

 who suppose a knowledge of nature to consist in a 

 knowledge of the terms which have been apjjlied to 

 her M'orks, or of the sections into which they have 

 been divided ; but one who studies the things them- 

 selves, and gives to classification its proper functions, 

 namely, that of designating correctly the indi\-idual 

 objects of his inquiry. Such a man vnW. not look with 

 wonder on any thing that is strange, merely because 

 to him it is new or uncommon, neither will he regard 

 with indifference things which are equally wonderful, 

 because he sees them daily around him. This is not the 

 fitting disposition of a naturalist, nor is its indulgence 

 calculated to bring home the love of nature to the 

 thoughts and affections of men, or furnish that series 

 of pleasurable emotions, which the proper knowledge 

 of the objects by w'hich we are surrounded would so 

 incessantly afford. In its true and legitimate exercise, 

 the knowledge of natural history unveils to its votary 

 " gems hidden from the world beside," and even her 

 wildest and most uncultivated scenes — 



" The desert, forest, cavern, breaker's foam, 

 Are unto him companionship." 



To any man, but more especially to one of your 

 profession, the mental effects of such pursuits are of 

 the very highest importance, and I am glad, on this 

 point, to fortify my own opinion by the words of 



