144 
MEMOIR OF 
of that pride and indifference to any living 
creature which lias its origin in the neglect or 
inattention of this obvious truth. Nor among the 
advantages of the study of natural history should 
be overlooked its continual effect in keeping those 
habits of correct reasoning, in constant vigour, 
upon which the wellbeing and improvement of 
mankind so much depend. It requires, at every 
time, the same devoted love of truth, and the 
same union of hardihood and humility in the 
pursuit of it ; the most accurate habits of observa- 
tion, the most entire exemption from prejudice, 
the most unwearied perseverance. It is impossible, 
that the constant exercise of these habits and 
states of mind, should not gradually originate 
numerous others, nearly or more remotely allied 
to them, and exercising their influence in the 
most desirable manner on all the varied interests 
of the possessor. 
Nor is it unimportant to remark, that a taste 
for natural history supplies the individual with 
resources of innocent, improving, yet inexhaus- 
tible amusement wherever he may be situated. 
It is especially the great secret of relieving the 
monotony and tedium of a country life. The 
intelligent father, too, may employ his children 
as his collectors, and imbue their minds, at the 
most desirable period, with what is of inestimable 
value, — the love of nature. It affords aw amuse- 
ment which is also highly conducive to health, 
and all its incalculable blessings ; it being a 
well-known fact, that naturalists are remarkable 
