21 
VARIOUS SUBJECTS FOR STUDY 
I have gained much. I have learned to 
detest lying and swearing and profanity of every 
kind, so that a strict adherence to truth and 
decency of behaviour shall in future be principal 
parts of my character.” 
At a later date he writes :— 
“ For some days past I have been daily falling off 
from my former improved state, but I must 
endeavour to regain what I have lost.” 
“ From reading with considerable attention De 
Luc’s treatise on Geology” he goes on, “I find that 
I need. not be under the apprehension of ever 
exhausting those parts of the study of Nature which 
suit my peculiar constitution. New subjects, I am 
persuaded, will daily present themselves for 
investigation. The observation of geological indices 
will henceforth occupy much of my time. On my 
way to Aberdeen I might acquire considerable 
mineralogical knowledge if I possessed the necessary 
books and instruments, but in the deficiency of 
these I might even do something. I shall at least 
become acquainted with a few species. I have not 
yet seen an account of the birds of Britain with 
which I am entirely satisfied, and I have of late 
been thinking upon the subject. Perhaps it might 
not be a bad scheme to attempt the ornithology of 
Scotland. I certainly would not engage for more. 
But whether this alone would be acceptable I 
cannot yet determine. However, I shall begin to 
note every particular regarding it which I can 
observe or collect from credible authority. The 
time I occupy in this will not be misspent, even at 
the worst, for I will thus perhaps acquire habits of 
attention, observation, and activity. I shall probably 
spend a good deal of time in going through Skye, 
and I promise myself much pleasure from my 
wanderings there. ' I intend also to visit Ross, 
b 2 
