Cummings, A biographical sketch of Col. George Montagu. ßic 



clearly and truthfully drawn up. He avoided wordiness yet his 

 descriptions are never so brief as to be obscure. I have had 

 occasion chiefly to test the observations of Montagu in cases 

 where marine animals were concerned and have been astonished 

 at the extent, variety and minuteness of his researches. He la- 

 boured at a time when there were few persons who took an 

 interest in marine zoology or who cared to investigate the struc- 

 ture and habits of submarine animals in their native haunts. 

 Montagu however did not shrink from his work because he met 

 few companions or found little sympathy. He steadily pursued 

 his chosen task and laid the foundation of that thorough inves- 

 tigation of the Natural History of the British seas which now 

 forms so distinctive and appropriate a feature of the science of 

 our country. For my own part, I have derived the greatest be- 

 nefit from the work and essays of Montagu and am now happy 

 to be able to record my acknowledgements to one of the most 

 eminent practical naturalists of his age." 



Yarrell, Rennte, Fleming, Selby, Day, all bear testimony to 

 the value and ability of Montagu's work. 



It is natural to compare Montagu with his more famous 

 contemporary and correspondent, GilbertWhite, of Selborne, the 

 association being more by contrast than by similarity, for the 

 difference between the two men is clear and definite. Montagu 

 possessed the severely scientific habit of mind which mentally photo- 

 graphs and faithfully records phenomena. White was a naturalist 

 who loved the birds and when writing about them was able to impart 

 to his work the impress of his own rare personality. White is 

 read by everyone. Montagu is known only to the few. Ob- 

 livion inevitably waits for the man of science who is only a re- 

 cording machine. A Grecian urn or a lyric by Colonel Lovelace 

 are as fresh and stimulating today as they were at the time of 

 their creation. And the creation of enduring scientific work re- 

 quires as much imagination as poetry or art. Montagu's work 

 was colourless and that is perhaps its principal deficiency. As 

 that of a sound practical naturalist, his pioneer work can never 

 be ignored by students of the English fauna. Above all he 

 kept burning to the last the altar fires of a grand enthusiasm. 

 And enthusiasm, even for crabs, starfish or patent pills-to use 

 the classification of a latterda)?- cynic — has something in it which 

 is divine. 



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