42 
STATE OF ZOOLOGY 
knowledge of natural objects, and for the remarkable adrance- 
ment which Zoology has received from him, by the aid of the 
two other sciences, which with rare success are united in him, 
Geology, namely, and Anatomy ; as is shown by his numerous 
and highly praised writings, which are particularly remarkable 
for the clear ideas and correct judgment which distinguish him 
above others. Nor can I leave Pisa without praising its long 
established Glornale de' Letter ati, which now, under a change 
of title, has become more dedicated to natural science, and 
in which we have lately perused an interesting Memoir by 
Pecchioli on the Arvicolce. Sienna, renowned in Italian 
History, and even the commercial Leghorn, are provided with 
scientific establishments and with academies, with which the 
ever smiling Tuscany continually adorns herself. 
It would be carrying flowers to the garden, were I to speak 
diffusely of this city of Florence, which now receives us with 
so much affection, generosity, and splendour, for you your- 
selves, with what I may call your judicium suhtile videndis 
artihus, have been better able than myself to judge of the 
happy condition in which, amidst every other science, that of 
natural history luxuriates and fructifies abundantly ; for which 
I should give renewed praise to the illustrious sovereign, were 
I not sure, that whatever fell from my lips would be inadequate 
to his deserts. I feel, however, that I should be justly blamed, 
if I omitted to say, that Leopold II., devoted as he is to the 
true progress of the highest studies, spares no anxiety to 
imdte, and liberally entertain, the most eminent men of our 
common country ; for he most wisely considers, that the in- 
terests of municipal protection are never to be preferred to the 
cause of truth and to the glory of the state. You have before 
you sufficient proof of the warmth of his zeal, not only for 
the details of science, but for those external matters which 
serve to embellish her. On the present occasion, he has 
spared no care to provide for the ornamental and scientific 
arrangement of the extensive museum in which we are now 
assembled. For this, a deserved tribute of praise must be given 
to the learned and modest director, Cav. Vincenzio Antinori, 
ably seconded by the active curator, Signor Bruscoli, and 
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