6 
POPULAR SCIENCE REVIEW. 
and young — all anxious to secure a little of tlie knowledge which 
he has secured at the cost of so much toil, hut now dispenses 
with such a liberal hand. 
Indeed, the reserve of bygone days has passed away, the 
patent for man’s wisdom has expired, the microscope and 
telescope, the printing-press and all the other aids to scientific 
progress, are the guide-posts to the traveller on the road to 
knowledge. 
But still the path of the adventurer who dedicates his noblest 
powers to science is far from smooth. Departing from the 
shores of the “ great ocean of truth ” (as the wisest man of 
modern days has called the province of research), he commences 
the ascent of one of the precipitous acclivities that rise on eveiy 
side. Here, as he scrambles up from rock to rock, each step 
he mounts places within his reach fresh works of interest and 
wonder. These he collects, and, wearied soon with his exertions, 
stops to rest. But only in one sense does he rest. Adventurers 
less active than himself are scrambling up the heights, and 
cheerfully he lends a helping hand to each as he approaches. 
And should he, looking down, perceive some undecided pilgrim, 
doubtful whether the reward is worth the venture, he easts the 
waverer a hard-earned treasure to lure him on, and show how 
tempting are the prizes that await him if he persevere. 
And then he contemplates the glorious scene around, and in 
the widening prospect finds fresh coiuage to resume his upward 
course. 
Onward he goes, and at each turn he finds fresh treasures, 
meets with new surprises, and a still extending prospect. 
; Tis true, the higher he mounts the fewer are his comrades ; 
but then the atmosphere becomes more pure and more invi- 
gorating, and greater his anxiety to reach the summit. 
At length it is attained ; the final effort being perchance 
the greatest j but what a recompense rewards his arduous 
ascent ! 
Beneath him roll majestically the clouds that hid the clear 
