308 PRACTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ZOOLOGY. 
distinct trains of enquiry, which have probably grown 
out of the one he originally commenced, but which he 
has not yet completed. Against this fascination of 
being drawn away to new investigations, before he has 
completed that upon which he first began, the naturalist 
should particularly guard himself. It is here that, if he 
really wishes to make his labours honourable to himself, 
or beneficial to others, it is herve that he should call up 
a spirit of determined perseverance, and. steadfastly 
resolve to finish what he has begun, before he com- 
mences a new subject. Let not the syren Procrastination 
lure him into the belief that he will return again to that 
which he postpones, with renewed ardour or increased 
knowledge. . Setting aside those minor evils, arising 
from a want of perseverance, which affect the indivi- 
duals themselves, how much have the interests both of 
science and the public suffered from its peculiar pre- 
valence among zoological writers! We may venture to 
affirm, that, of all the works upon natural history which 
have been either announced or commenced in this 
country, within the last few years, not one half have 
been fairly completed. Not only does the cause of 
science suffer from this infirmity of purpose in men 
who have the ability to do her good service, but the 
evil effects fall both upon the innocent and the guilty. 
From the great expense attending zoological illustrative 
works, they are usually published in periodical numbers ; 
but it now so frequently happens that the major part 
of these works are discontinued after a few numbers 
have appeared, that the public, seldom discriminating, 
set their faces against al/ such publications ; and those 
who, on former occasions, have faithfully performed 
their engagements, are yet looked upon with the same 
suspicion as those who have acted precisely the reverse. 
(374.) Perseverance in discovering new objects, or 
new facts, is likewise to be recommended. No branch 
of human knowledge is more open to such discoveries 
than zoology: whether we look to the chance of finding 
pew species, or of bringing to light something in the 
