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et I'Angleterre," by Mons. Edouard Mariette (brother of 

 Mariette Pacha, the eminent Egyptologist), containing 

 suggestions as to their real origin and history. 



Having ventured to stimulate the young to the study 

 of Nature, I would the while remind them that there 

 comes a time when loss of active power forbids further 

 contact with the mountain, and limits excursions on the 

 plain. But when life's illusions have passed away, the 

 memory of early achievements in instructive recreation 

 will come in aid, awakened haply from time to time 

 by the friendly voice of one with like pursuits, or 

 recalled by the printed page of familiar lore. A learned 

 writer has stated that with growing years there is 

 growth of admiration for rural scenery. I incline to 

 that comforting reflection, for if less is to be witnessed, 

 more would seem to be enjoyed. I do not remember, 

 for example, that in youth I admired, as now, the pose, 

 balance, and fine ramification of a great leafless tree. 



In drawing these discursive notes to a conclusion, I 

 feel how on one subject so little has been said ; and yet 

 throughout the contemplation of Nature, whether viewed 

 in its totality or examined in its minutest detail, it is 

 impossible to avoid reflecting on the regular, continuous, 

 and uniform action of her great Laws. Time and 

 capabilities for the task are alike wanting to permit of 

 any attempt to enter here upon this high theme, but 

 attention may be called to a passage in the late Duke 

 of Argyll's " Reign of Law." In explanation or illus- 

 tration of his views, the Duke refers to various scientific 

 subjects, and to natural phenomena (dealing particularly 

 with the flight of birds), and eventually declares as 

 follows : — " The reign of Law is nothing but the reign 

 of creative force, directed by creative knowledge, worked 

 under the conduct of creative power, and in fulfilment 

 of creative purpose." If his Grace's main contention be 

 not acceptable to some of the leaders of modern thought, 

 and if the passage quoted is somewhat over-elaborated, 



