OBSERVANCE OF FACTS. 309 
structure, manners, or history of such as are already 
described. If we merely desire the acquisition of new 
objects, there is a wide field in every quarter of the 
globe, particularly in the warmer regions of both hemi- 
spheres. Mr. Stephens, one of the most persevering of 
our entomologists, has published the names of more than 
ten thousand species of insects inhabiting Britain ; yet, 
as every year brings with it fresh discoveries, who can 
say when these are to cease? The conchology of our 
native seas is still furnishing new species to our col- 
lectors ; while hundreds of the “ soft creeping things ” 
of the ocean, of strange forms or minute dimensions, 
may be unknown and unrecorded, even within the range 
of our own coasts. Let not the young naturalist, there- 
fore, imagine that he can discover nothing new even at 
home: while, if he pursues his researches in foreign 
climes, he may discover much more than he will ever be 
able to investigate. An equally boundless field for ob- 
servation lies open, as already intimated, in the manners 
and habits of well-known species, almost daily before 
our eyes. It is a misfortune resulting from the passion 
for collecting, that nearly all naturalists are more bent 
upon increasing the contents of their cabinets, than on 
studying the economy of those living objects which are 
perpetually crossing their path. 
(375.) The observation of facts, connected with the 
habits and economy of living animals, should therefore 
be a primary object with all naturalists, nor can its im- 
portance be too strongly impressed on the mind of the 
young student. It is not only the most pleasing, but 
one of the most essential departments of zoology ; since 
the knowledge of the system of nature must be mainly 
supported by such facts, brought together, and applied 
to illustrate general truths. It is also the most popular, 
because it may he prosecuted without the aid of scien- 
tific acquirements. Almost every one, having the least 
taste for natural history, will peruse with pleasure a 
well-written account of an animal, whose habits, man- 
ners, and modes of liying are not generally known, 
bane) 
