I am not aware that any work has been written for the express purpose of awakening general attention to what may be considered the higher objects of the study of Natural History, though such a work could scarcely fail of proving highly beneficial. SMELLIE, the very able and judicious translator of BUFFON, hath left us some valuable remarks in this branch of philosophy; and DR. SKRIMSHIRE, lately President of the Natural History Society of Edinburgh, has written a series of Essays, which he calls " Introductory to the Study, &c." But nothing seems to have been attempted likely to produce a general or powerful effect on the public mind; which is the more to be regretted at a time when so much attention is paid to mere scientific arrangement. A well regulated system, and appropriate technical terms, are very necessary towards the perfection of the science; and the architect, who would build a lofty and magnificent edifice, must not be ignorant of his tools, nor unprovided with suitable

scaffolding. But the end must not be forgotten by too long a disputation on the means of attaining it: the skeleton is necessary for the support of the body; but, what are the dry bones of the valley in comparison with a living, comprehensive, and immortal soul?

The two small volumes of DR. SKRIMSHIRE may be very useful to the youth of both sexes, as introductory to the science; and, in this view, they appear sufficiently clear and appropriate : yet, his remarks are common-place, and his ge nius does not seem of that bold and original cast which is likely to lift up the veil of Nature any higher than his predecessors have done. In his first Essay he makes some correct observations on the utility of the study, and alludes to familiar illustrations; but he gives us nothing new, his mind is content with walking in paths that are safe, because they have already been explored; and he seems willing to leave the vast and

unknown regions of unpenetrated knowledge for more enterprising and more daring spirits.

Such productions as RAY's Wisdom of God in the Works of Creation; DERHAM'S Physico Theology; and PALEY'S Natural Theology; approach nearer to that character which is likely to produce grand and comprehensive views of the natural world, the various functions of animals, and their relations one to another; together with the duties of man in the creation, as supreme over all; than any of the works written on what is called Natural History, alone; and they are consequently productive of far more general good to society. Since it is the professed object of all enlightened Naturalists to seek a more intimate acquaintance with the DEITY, by studying His works, and to gain more accurate and enlarged views of the nature of existence, and all visible objects, by such an employment of their time; it is surprising that mere system-makers, and com

pilers of dictionaries, should obtain the character

of Naturalists.

Under feelings of this nature I have felt it my duty to say something of the pursuit in general, comprehended in wider limits than it may have been hitherto surveyed; as well in respect to the variety of objects it regards, as to its real importance to the best interests of mankind, and as a source of rational and very superior amusement; since it would ill become one who has been accustomed to consider every hour that is not appropriated to profitable thinking, or useful exertion, as lost or mispent, silently to pass over an opportunity of pointing out the value and interest of a branch of knowledge, perhaps, of all others, the most fascinating. Particularly, too, at a juncture when I am about to lay the result of many years' inquiry into subjects of this nature before the tribunal of the public.

The desire of putting forth this little Essay, imperfect as it is, has been more strongly felt

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from the consideration, that in this country, at least, the study of Natural History has never been either so fashionable, or so much encouraged, as it deserves to be, amongst a people so justly celebrated for the perfection to which they have carried most of the arts, and sciences, cultivated by civilized man. I know that a few individuals have risen up amongst us, whose fame in this branch of philosophy has been established on solid grounds; and I also know, that the pursuit is partially cultivated in most parts of the empire; but, in a general view, it has never been admitted to hold rank with what are deemed the higher sciences in this country; nay, it has frequently happened that its most distinguished advocates have been stigmatized as persons of weak intellects, or have suffered the opprobrium that is generally cast on persons of perverted judgment; notwithstanding the truth, that of all the sciences, when considered throughout its widest limits, that of Natural History is the