24 ON THE STUDY OF NATURE. 



from GhiMhocd would also contribute greatly to the 

 happiness of mankind in general, and to that of fe- 

 males in particular, by enabling them to overcome 

 all those fears and vulgar prejudices which have com- 

 monly attached to some of the smaller quadrupeds 

 and CO the reptile and insect tribes. They would 

 then have no greater repugnance towards handling a 

 Lizard, a Beetle, or a Spider, than they now have 

 towards that of a Bird, or a Flower. 



It is necessary, however, to inform them, that they 

 must not be contented merely with reading : the 

 principal use of this is to direct them to contempla- 

 tions on the objects themselves, and to induce a taste 

 for more minute investigation ; but it is from this 

 investigation only that they will be enabled to reap 

 the advantages of the science, and such advantages 

 as books alone do not always bestow^ 



These are thy glorious works, Parent of Good, 



Almighty ! Thine this universal frame. 



Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then J 



Unspealiable, who sitt'st above these Heav'ns, 



To us invisible, or dimly seen 



In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare 



Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine ! 



