174 



Mr. Butler's Discourse. 



liaise referred ; but when their nature, influence and connex- 

 ions are considered, with even a small degree of attention, it 

 will be seen that they are entitled to be ranked among the 

 most useful of our pursuits. Take as an example the science 

 •of 'geology, which is considered by many as a mere bundle of 

 idle speculations. Many such speculations are certainly asso- 

 ciated with the history of this science, and its amateurs will 

 probably admit that their knowledge of its principles is yet in 

 Its infancy. But as every enlargement of the boundaries of 

 knowledge is a positive good, though it may be long before it 

 be turned to practical advantage ; this alone would be a suffi- 

 cient motive for the prosecution of such, inquiries and experi- 

 ments as are calculated to develope those principles, and to 

 establish them on the basis of certainty and reason. Whenever 

 that period shall arrive, it will probably be found, that this 

 science bears to agriculture, mineralogy and chemistry, a re- 

 lation somewhat similar to that borne by the globe of which it 

 treats, to objects on its surface. 



When we descend from the aggregate to particulars, from 

 the study of the earth to that of the minerals in its bowels or 

 on its face — the uses are palpable and direct. And when from 

 the regions of unorganized matter, we step into the worlds of 

 vegetable and animal life, these uses are still more obvious 

 and diversified. Most of them, also, are to be numbered 

 among the discoveries of science ; and she is continually en- 

 larging the list ; continually presenting to the world, new 

 proofs of the beneficence of God, and new incitements to the 

 study of his works. 



A reference to a single and most familiar branch of natu- 

 ral history — that which treats of the domesticated animals — is 

 sufficient for my purpose. Some acquaintance with the cha- 

 racter and habits, physiological and otherwise, of these ani- 

 mals, is indispensable to their profitable use, and to the pre- 

 servation and improvement of their several races. This ac- 

 quaintance may be acquired, to some considerable extent, by 

 ordinary experience and observation. None, however, but 

 those who are well instructed in this department of natural 

 history, can be said fully to appreciate their value ; or to be 

 prepared to make the most of the blessings conferred on us 



