INTRODUCTION. 



13 



stones." In the rock-clefts and gullies of our Highland 

 mountains he finds, 



" Cabined and confined 

 At once from sun and dew and wind/ 5 



various Lecideas and Cladonias ; and even on the naked rocks 

 of their cloud-capped summits, where there is an almost total 

 deficiency of a higher vegetation, luxuriating 



" Amidst the war of elements, 

 The wreck of matter and the crash of worlds," 



he meets with the curious and valuable black leathery Uin- 

 bilicarias. Should the mists obscure his view, they do not 

 damp his spirits ; he atones for his disappointment by filling 

 his vasculum, and adding to his stock of knowledge a new 

 store of observations. The Art student, in his professional 

 tours among the scenic beauties of our country, would also 

 look in a different light on every mossy tree, crusted crag, 

 or time-stained battlement ; he would be led to paint Na- 

 ture from a higher and holier view-point. To the fair sex 

 especially, during their summer search after health and hap- 

 piness, we would commend the study of Natural History as 

 infinitely more ennobling than the host of fashionable though 

 profitless accomplishments, which they at present take such 

 pains to possess. Many ladies have already taken a high 

 stand as Algologists and Pteridologists ; many have cultivated 



