On the present state ofZooloyy. 31 
to do nothing- more than to glean such facts as offered themselves to 
his notice. * It is observed by the great Cuvier, that the " natu- 
ral sciences are but collections of facts, and our theories only formulae 
for embracing a large number of them : hence it follows, that the 
smallest fact, if well-ascertained, ought to be preserved; since if new, 
it may serve to modify our most approved theories : the most simple 
observation may overthrow the most ingeniously-constructed system, 
and open our eyes to a long train of discoveries, which had previous- 
ly been concealed from view by received formulae."-}- 
With the above words, the words of one whose judgment and great 
experience entitle him to be heard on such a subject, and who him- 
self appreciated as it deserved even the smallest endeavour made to 
promote the advancement of the particular science we have been here 
considering, we would conclude these remarks. It was in confor- 
mity with such views that he himself acted. He was not opposed to 
theory ; J but he knew enough to mistrust the theories of his own 
day, and to see the necessity of knowing more to establish their vali- 
dity. He sought truth only ; and truth is what we also should pro- 
pose as the end of our researches. We may not all attain to the same 
brilliant reputation which' he earned ; or enlarge as widely as he did 
the bounds of science. But we may do enough to entitle us to the 
thanks of those who take a common interest with ourselves in these 
pursuits. We may throw our mite into the common stock. We 
shall at least reap the satisfaction which never fails to attend the 
study of Nature ; and even if our labours should not conduct to any 
great or very important results, they will yet have been the means 
of opening to us an inexhaustible fund of rational occupation and 
amusement. 
Swaffham Bulbeck, April 21, 1836. 
* Many facts of great importance relating even to the most common animals, 
remain yet to be observed. Thus M. Prevost has thrown much additional light 
lately upon the habits of the Cuckow, and shown that, notwithstanding the de- 
gree of attention which this bird had received from naturalists, there was yet 
much to be learnt respecting its anomalous history. See L'Institut, 1834, p. 
418. See also an article " on the Importance of preserving Facts connected 
with the Natural History of Animals," by Mr Swainson, in the Lond. Quart. 
Journ. of Science, (New Series) vol. i. p. 83. 
f Hist, des Prog, des Sci. Nat. tome i. p. 5. 
\ It has been well said by M. Laurillard, that " he who, in the introduction 
of his work on fossil bones, remarked, Why may not natural history one day 
have its Newton ? could not be the enemy of theory." See some remarks by 
that writer, in his Eloge on Cuvier, in reply to those who have taunted Cuvier 
with being a mere collector of facts Edinb. New Phil. Journ. vol. xvi. p. 360. 
