2 On the present state of Zoology. 



cy to infuse habits of accurate observation ; and as one of its objects 

 consists in tracing- the complicated relations which these beings bear 

 to one another, it naturally leads the observer to certain first princi- 

 ples of systematic arrangement, which being afterwards transferred to 

 other subjects, are made susceptible of more general application. * 

 There are yet further advantages which accrue from the pursuit of 

 this science, sufficient to recommend it, even when followed for its 

 own sake, and apart from all other inducements. The relaxation 

 which it affords the mind, when fatigued with severer studies, or op- 

 pressed with anxiety ; — the never-failing entertainment which it yields, 

 even in the most retired and solitary spots ; — the charms with which 

 it can invest a country life, diffusing happiness over our leisure hours, 

 and converting every walk into an intellectual treat ; — these are fruits 

 which will not be esteemed lightly, or considered by a reflecting mind 

 as beneath its notice. Above all, we may allude to those devout me- 

 ditations which this science is calculated to suggest to all such as are 

 alive to the impressions of religion. It tends to uphold that secret 

 communion with the Creator, which Revelation so much encourages. 

 And if this remark has been often made, it only shows how general 

 has been the feeling to which it relates. Strange, indeed, must be 

 the perversion of that mind, which is made neither wiser nor better, 

 by studying the works of Him, whose own wisdom is infinite, and all 

 whose operations tend to good and happiness. We are not disposed to 

 wonder because we find some to whom the study itself fails in afford- 

 ing the same degree of interest which we ourselves derive from it. 

 But to have the thoughts leaning of their own accord to such pur- 

 suits ; — to be able to expatiate with delight on that immense field of 

 wonders which Nature opens to us ; — to trace the workings of the 

 most consummate skill, power, and benevolence ; — and yet in our re- 

 searches to find no room for moral improvement, — no incitement to 

 remember the Great Author of all ; — we fear this indicates a mind 

 estranged from its own best interests, and but ill qualified for the more 

 exalted employments of a future existence. 



In what follows, it is proposed to confine our observations to that 

 branch of Natural History termed Zoology. This, in its widest ac- 

 ceptation, may be defined as the science which treats of every thing- 

 relating to the structure, functions, history, and classification of ani- 

 mals. Under the head of structure, is included the form and arrange- 

 ment of the several organs which enter into the composition of the 

 animal body : under that of functions, the phenomena exhibited by 



* See Cuv. Beg- An. Preface, p. xix. 

 3 



