STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY, 
41 
conveniences of a similar nature, have rendered the 
practice now unnecessary. With us this bad custom is 
declining, and probably in time will cease altogether. 
It is rather a subject of surprise, that in our general 
associations and commixtures in life, in times so highly 
enlightened as the present, when many ancient preju- 
dices are gradually flitting away, as reason and science 
dawn on mankind, we should meet with so few, com- 
paratively speaking, who have any knowledge of, or take 
the least interest in natural history ; or if the subject 
obtain a moment’s consideration, it has no abiding place 
in the mind, being dismissed as the fitting employ of 
children and inferior capacities. But the natural his- 
torian is required to attend to something more than the 
vagaries of butterflies, and the spinnings of caterpillars ; 
his study, considered abstractedly from the various 
branches of science which it embraces, is one of the 
most delightful occupations that can employ the atten- 
tion of reasoning beings : a beautiful landscape, grateful 
objects, pleasures received by the eye or the senses, be- 
come the common property of all who can enjoy them, 
being in some measure obvious to every one ; but the 
naturalist must reflect upon hidden things, investigate 
by comparison, and testify by experience, and living 
amidst the wonders of creation, it becomes his occupa- 
tion to note and proclaim such manifestations of wisdom 
or goodness as may be perceived by him. And perhaps 
none of the amusements of human life are more satis- 
factory and dignified, than the investigation and survey 
of the workings and ways of Providence in this created 
world of wonders, filled with his never-absent power : 
it occupies and elevates the mind, is inexhaustible in 
supply, and, while it furnishes meditation for the closet 
of the studious, gives to the reflections of the moralizing 
rambler admiration and delight, and is an engaging com- 
panion, that will communicate an interest to every rural 
walk. We need not live with the humble denizens of 
the air, the tenants of the woods and hedges, or the 
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