CHAPTER XX. 



Scientific Labors. 



An examination of the characteristics of genera and 

 species — an examination of prof. agassiz' "natural 

 provinces." — irumboldt's letter destroyed — letter 

 from henry r. schoolcraft, indian commissioner. 



THE opening sentences of the following Mono- 

 graph indicate the progress made in the study 

 of Natural History during forty years — from 1795 

 to 1855. Referring to his boyhood, Dr. Bachman 

 tells us of the lyrejudices then entertained by the com- 

 munit}" against the supposed trijiing study of Natural 

 History ; but in 1855 he asserts : The advantages 

 to he derived from the study of Natural History are 

 now admitted by every intelligent mind. 



From boyhood an enthusiast in X'^atural History 

 and kindred branches of science, we find him always 

 in full sympathy witli every patient student of Na- 

 ture, and holding out the hand of friendship to the 

 humblest seeker after truth. But at tlie same time 

 ready, with ungloved hand, to rebuke the temerity 

 of the tyro, who paraded his little learning. 



Aa examinaiio)i of tlie Characteristics of Genera and. 

 Species, as applicable to the Doctrine oj the Unity of 

 the Hnman Ilace. 



So many advantages are derived from the study 

 of Natural History, that at the present day it 

 Mould be almost superfluous to do more than briefly 



