1879-1880.] 4i5 



by the ordinary observer. Our studies, therefore, not only afford 

 pleasurable and healthy employment for leisure hours, but, rightly 

 conducted, they must have a direct practical result in strengthening 

 our powers of observation, cultivating our reasoning faculties, 

 elevating our conception of what is true, and enabling us to further 

 the advancement of science that has already done so much for the 

 material comfort and the intellectual progress of mankind. Close 

 and accurate observation is the first object of our study as abso- 

 lutely necessary in our systematic search after truth ; and this 

 habit is most effectually cultivated in the open air. It is by the 

 murmuring stream of some inland valley, or the quiet retreat of 

 the mountain slope, or where the breezes blow freshly across the 

 seaside cliff that the habit of observation is best cultivated. There, 

 with all those healthy and agreeable associations, doubts are dis- 

 persed and intellect becomes clear. Fortunately for us all enjoy- 

 ment of Nature does not depend upon our knowledge, We can 

 enjoy the clear, starry heavens without being able to name a con- 

 stellation, or trace the Pointers in the Plough. We can enjoy the 

 .mountains without any knowledge of their constituent rocks, or 

 be delighted with the woodland scenery, "clad in the golden 

 tints of Autumn," without knowing the difference between one 

 tree and another. Yes, out in the open country, under the ex- 

 hilarating influence of a pure fresh breeze, when the sun shines out 

 in all its meridian splendour, when the air is vocal with the busy 

 hum of birds and insects, and perfumed with the ascending fragrance 

 of plants and flowers, even common-place scenery is invested with a 

 special charm to enhance the enjoyment of the ordinary Observer. 

 And surely if these merely physical sensations are so pleasing, 

 what must be the emotions of the intellectual observer, whose 

 sympathy and love are quickened by his culture, and in his com* 

 prehensive survey is enabled to see in the familiar and unpretend- 

 ing, as well as in the grandest, aspects of Nature the fitness of 

 purpose, unity of design, and persistency of laws by which the 



