NATURAL HISTORY. 
129 
Let us then eschew and turn aside from all those 
false and foolish notions, which have led some erro- 
neously to decry knowledge, and particularly that 
kind of knowledge which it is the object of this 
Society to cultivate ; — 
" Without thee, what were unenlightened man ? 
A savage, roaming through the woods and wilds 
In quest of prey ; and with the unfashioned fur 
Rough-clad ; devoid of every finer art, 
And elegance of life : but, taught by thee. 
Ours are the plans of policy and peace ; 
To Uve like brothers, and conjunctive all 
Embellish life. While thus laborious crowds 
Ply the tough oar. Philosophy directs 
The ruling helm ; or like the liberal breath 
Of potent Heaven, invisible, the sail 
Swells out, and bears the inferior world along." 
You will then admit that the undertaking in which 
I wish to engage you is noble and delightful, and one 
hich calls for the devotion of your best energies to 
ts service ; and let me assure you that none can be 
excused from lending their aid in this important 
enterprize. How small soever may be the offering 
you can make to this Society, that offering will be 
accepted, and a corresponding reward will await you 
in the increasing prosperity of this promising Institu- 
tion. None can be excused from this necessary duty 
on account of time not being afforded from his usual 
avocations. If we are disposed we can all make time 
for any object we have in view, and the most active or 
busy man that hath been or can be has unquestiona- 
bly seasons of leisure, which are well or ill employed 
