for exploring Central Africa. 101 



Quopopa, Perdix sephaena, Perdix Coqui, Perdix Swainsonii, Perdix 

 Lechoha, &c. 



" In the second district some few species were obtained which did not 

 present themselves to our observation either in the first or third ; but the 

 members of nearly all of those were so limited that we may, without hesi- 

 tation, conclude they were proper to provinces which were not reached by 

 the expedition. 



" The range of species, generally speaking, appeared to vary considerably 

 as to extent ; and in no case was it possible to discover any cause or 

 causes, depending upon external circumstances, which could enable us to 

 account, in a satisfactory manner, for such a diversity. There is, doubt- 

 less, a something besides either food or temperature which influences, nay, 

 regulates, the distribution of animal forms ; but what that may be, will 

 appear more and more evident only as we get divested of the opinion that 

 we already know sufficient of the scheme of the Creator to enable us to 

 explain the manifold difficulties which it offers to our enquiry, by the 

 assumed aid of certain external agencies, which, in all probability, will 

 eventually be found to have not even the most remote share in the occur- 

 rences. 



" When countries shall have been carefully traversed, and the animal 

 productions inhabiting them exclusively, or in common with other coun- 

 tries, minutely examined, both as relates to their physical characters and 

 their habits, then the naturalist may be able to indicate principles which 

 the great book of nature, and not simply the books of men, will maintain 

 and extend. If persons could spring into existence, and enter upon the 

 course which one of the first observers of the day is following, could study 

 as he is studying, and enquire as he is enquiring, then might Mr. Swainson 

 yet aspire to see the day when mind and matter would alike proclaim the 

 accuracy of his views, and when African travellers, at least, would declare 

 they found little to gather which was not in corroboration of the contents 

 of his interesting volumes. 



" The facts which we have collected are in direct support of the opinions 

 maintained by Mr. Swainson ; and the observations we have had occasion 

 to make will be of interest only, provided naturalists feel satisfied to pro- 

 ceed, by endeavouring to discover what are not, instead of what are, the 

 the ways, means, and ends of Omnipotence, in the regulation of man and 

 the animal world." * 



In deviating from a plain narration of facts to touch upon 

 the ground of speculative enquiry, and in doing homage to 

 the opinions advanced by a talented writer of the present day, 

 Dr. Smith appears to us not to have evolved his own ideas 

 with that clearness and precision which, from the general 

 tenor of his observations, we might have expected. If per- 

 sons could spring into existence, and enter at once upon the 

 course which Mr. Swainson is pursuing, would it hasten, in 

 the smallest degree, the time when mind and matter shall de- 

 clare the accuracy of his views, unless those views be the 

 result of sound philosophical induction, originating in the 

 cautious observance of facts, and in the unbiassed investiga- 

 tion of zoological phenomena ? If we may venture to throw 

 out a hint to Dr. Smith, judging from the decided sentiments 



* We do not quite see the author's meaning here, after what he has re- 

 marked in the preceding sentence. — Ed. 



