ANIMAL KINGDOM. 267 



are onl)- analogical, or, at least, merely necessai7 conse- 

 quences of the particular modes of life to which each 

 auimal may have been destined. It is certain however 

 Aat they are quite unsupported by any very important 

 relation, and it may therefore happen that the animal 

 which really connects the Mammalia with Birds is now 

 only to be found in the fossil state. Thus for instance, 

 the Ornithocephalus antiqiius of Soemmering appears to 

 make a nearer approach to a bird than any mammiferous 

 animal known- 

 Popular curiosity is almost exclusively confined to the 

 branch of Zoology at which we are now arrived : but 

 notwithstanding that the superior interest universally taken 

 in the history of the Mammalia may easily be justified, the 

 naturalist soon learns that it cannot influence him in the 

 study of the creation generally, without being the cause of 

 his losing the sublime effect of the whole temple of nature 

 ia a con)paratively trifling acquaintance with its details. 

 To be indifferent about the fagade, yet with minute and 

 tedious labour to scrutinize the ornaments of a single co- 

 lumn, is no great proof of a correct taste ; but unfortunately 

 the criterion of taste in natural history is generallj' taken 

 to be the opinion of the many, and a beautiful science thus 

 dwindles into a collection of anecdotes. 



In prosecuting the rugged paths of science the great 

 bulk of mankind have no other object than the gratification 

 of their pride, or the advancement of a temporary interest. 

 Those studies which tend merely to increase our ideas of 

 the wisdom and power of the Deity, and to teach us, on the 

 otiier hand, our own nothingness, are little likely to have 

 followers. The first question always is, Cui bono ? and 

 if the answer be such as to make the inquirer believe that 



