192 



The Naturalist. 



form should be adhered to. Those at your end willing to assist are 

 guaranteed compensation, and we are glad to exchange on such a basis. 

 I have said that at home generalists are deficient. Here we want 

 specialists. Still, one is apt to generalise too much, guided by mis- 

 leading ambition ; but as I topple . over that rock fragment in the 

 ocean, and see a living, moving mass, I long to know each creature by 

 its name, to learn the economy of each, to acquire knowledge and hold 

 it closely to the end. Yearning, the real struggle for existence, turns 

 the tap of life's rough watercourse, and " Rack, go back !" I am 

 constrained, hemmed in, baffled, by the miserable peg which plugs 

 desire with its wretched checkmate, commerce. Incapacity to achieve 

 my soul's delight. Abortive attempt to do something ; vulgar 

 awakening— nothing done. Partial contentment must suffice : not all 

 I would, but all I could. Need I grapple with another opposing 

 force ? Each step I take on beach or veldt, novelty meets me half- 

 way. What Is your name ? I ask. 



Find it ! 



How] 



Read ! 



Where ? 



The question terminates discussion. Or put it in this fashion : 

 Are you known or unknown 1 

 Find out ! 

 How? 



Write home ! 



Bless my heart, it takes two months for prompt correspondence to 

 pass, and then — what then ? 0 chaotic sequence ! Why, my friend 

 submits to a friend, and he cannot re-obtain from that friend, but will 



write again, which he does not ! Therefore we emigrant 



naturalists act upon Government suggestions, and feed on hope. 

 Precious few provisions our glorious Assembly offers to hungry indi- 

 viduals. Give, and we'll accept to any extent. Ptequest, leave your 

 card, and call again when we are not at home. Real sympathy, 

 practical assistance, emanates from members of the press. I cannot 

 speak too highly of the Eastern Province public writers. Where 

 magazines, social mediums, are absent ; where business is business, 

 and men work on common ground ; where effort anticipates return, I 

 repeat — " Honour the Press !" Is South Africa a century behind in 

 art and science? Then the Press is blameless— supporters of the Press 

 are not. Success to it, and may advertisements flourish, and be paid for 

 in d?ie season. 



