120 
BRITISH BEES. 
accurately to determine accurately natural objects indi¬ 
vidually. Once the clue of the labyrinth caught, the 
seeming intricacy of its involution vanishes; for when a 
clear conception of the general scheme is obtained, the 
solution of the parts is comparatively easy. The same 
principle rules throughout, however variously treated. 
The large divisions of nature appear simple and dis¬ 
tinct enough in their great frame, but when we approach 
their confines, close investigation discovers analogies and 
affinities, which, where the separation seems most appa¬ 
rent, create insuperable difficulties, and render linear 
succession, or distinct division, nearly an impossibility. 
Here we find parallelism, and there radiation, and else¬ 
where a complicated reticulation without subordination; 
and this is one of the great problems, which it is the office 
of the mature naturalist to endeavour to solve. The pre¬ 
sent work has to do, however, with but one small portion 
of the whole. 
Thus we see that, in order to arrive at a knowledge of 
natural objects, a method must be pursued to avoid being 
overwhelmed by their multiplicity, whereby confusion 
would be produced in the mind which their methodical 
investigation tends to dissipate. Their abundance pre¬ 
cludes the possibility of their being all equally well 
known, although it is very desirable to have a general, if 
even superficial acquaintance with them, that is to say, 
in the broad and distinguishing features of their large 
groups, for as to an accurate knowledge of all their 
species, it would be futile to attempt it. Possessing this 
general knowledge, the attention may be turned with 
greater advantage in any special direction, and that pur¬ 
sued to its entire acquisition. 
Natural objects have been arranged in Kingdoms, 
