PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC ARRANGEMENT. 141 
with the pursuit than this mere knowledge of species, 
and yet from which it emanates. There is a higher 
object to be achieved than the accumulation of a store 
of them, arranged in seemly order, set .with manifest 
taste, and named in accordance with the accepted no¬ 
menclature. These are extremely pleasing to the eye, 
but the intellect languishes over them in unsatisfied 
desire, craving more solid aliment. There is besides 
room for observation on every side, either confirmatory 
or original, and both are much needed, and must be 
considerably augmented before it is accumulated in 
satisfactory abundance.; and until this be procured, 
existing systems can be viewed merely as temporarily 
useful, for until all that nature can teach shall be ex¬ 
hausted, perfection cannot be attained. 
The many kinds of knowledge which the study sub¬ 
serves, and the recreation and pleasure each affords, are 
a sufficient reply to the sneering Cui bono ? of its detrac¬ 
tors, who, when they urge that it occupies time which 
might be more profitably employed, present themselves 
but as the priests of the Fetish of the age, and may be 
told that we use it only as a relaxation to necessary 
worldly toils. When pursued, in cases where it can be 
so, in unmolested security, is there a more salutary pur¬ 
suit than that which inculcates the high veneration and 
love which the study of nature should inspire towards 
the Great Parent of all? What can compete with it in 
other studies? The investigation of the works of the 
Almighty lead directly to the steps of the altar of reli¬ 
gion, and there we find the study of the Works confirmed 
by the precepts of the Word, both inculcating humble 
reverence and fervent love. Thus pursued, is it not a 
reply to every cavil ? 
