ZOOLOGY IN TIME OF SHAKESPEARE 227 



study " and even uses the expression. He tells 

 us " That although the writings of the old Greeks 

 and Romans are the opinions of learned men, 

 yet not even all these opinions and judgments 

 are to be accepted/' Vives recommends that 

 the pupil should first be shown what he can most 

 readily perceive by the senses : 



" So will he observe the nature of things in the 

 heavens, in clouds and in sunshine, in the plains, 

 on the mountains, in the woods. Hence he will 

 seek out and get to know many things from those 

 who inhabit those spots. Let him have recourse, 

 for instance, to gardeners, husbandmen, shep- 

 herds, and hunters, for this is what Pliny and 

 other great authors .undoubtedly did ; for any 

 one man cannot possibly make all observations 

 without help in such a multitude and variety of 

 directions. But whether he observes anything 

 himself, or hears anyone relating his experience, 

 not only let him keep eyes and ears intent, but 

 his whole mind also, for great and exact concen- 

 tration is necessary in observing every part of 

 nature/ 1 



We can but judge the state of zoology in Queen 

 Elizabeth's time by the books and writings that 



