** Haec studia adolescentiam agunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas resornant, 

 adversis perfugium ac solatium praebent, delectant domi, peregrinantur rusticantur." 

 — Cicero. 



" What can be a greater example of infinite power tban a little portion of inactive 

 earth rendered capable of contemplating itself as the work of infinite wisdom ; and of 

 considering the innumerable effects of that wisdom displayed in the surrounding 

 creation." — Linneus. 



" Natural history conducts us to a knowledge of the manners and (Economy of 

 different animals, and their places and dependencies on each other in the great scheme 

 of creation. Here the most insensible mind cannot fail to be struck with the infinite 

 variety of means by which similar ends are accomplished ; while amid the richest pro- 

 fusion of variety and beauty nothing is superfluous, nor any end attained, but by the 

 most advantageous and compendious means." — Sir James E. Smith. 



" One advantage of the study of Nature is that it is inexhaustible ; but it boasts a 

 still greater, that as far as I have been able to observe, it never loses its relish at the 

 decline of life." — Id. 



" Another great recommendation of natural history is the habit it necessarily gives 

 of arranging our ideas and exercising our powers of discrimination. In this it vies 

 with the study of Grammar and the Mathematics. It is the pursuit of truth, — a love 

 of which is as inherent in every sound mind as the love of life. It is a science of facts ; 

 and the only way by which it can of itself be advanced, or contribute to the improve- 

 ment of our understandings and powers, is by practical observation and enquiry. It 

 teaches us to see and discriminate, and then to reason. The worm that crawls on the 

 ground can perceive ; the bird that flies in the air and builds its curious nest can 

 contrive ; but man only is allowed to contemplate, compare and weigh the designs of 

 Infinite Wisdom." — Id. 



