Q. Many of the famous naturalists of the past have been
parsons. Can you comment on this?
A. This subject has been so adequately covered by my
friend and fellow member of the Club, Mr. William Addison,
J.P., F.S.A., in his fascinating book, 'The English
Country Parson', that I am reluctant to add anything.
Perhaps the first name that comes to mind is that of John
Ray, but, although a botanist, he studied and wrote about
other branches of natural science. Gilbert White is often
quoted as an example, but I am certain that many another
Essex country parson contributed in greater or less degree
to the sum of our knowledge of natural history of the county
as did Doctors, local chemists and a host of others.
Consider the present membership of the Club and the various
occupations or professions in which they earn their
livelihood, and their interests in the natural history
world. The Parson as a naturalist is probably a declining
species at the present time, because I understand the
system is that new ordinands are sent to towns, especially
the new towns, and the cure of souls in the smaller villages
is left to the parson in the adjacent country town who
visits each of the parishes in turn - perhaps once a month
to conduct a service. He has no time, or very little, to
observe the countryside and its wild life,
Q. What defence would you put up against those who say a
study of wild flowers is a waste of time, and that botany
is a 'sissy' subject?
A. No defence is necessary to such a charge. Anyone who
makes such an allegation is so obviously ignorant of the
impact of the world flora on life as lived today, that the
charge can be ignored. He would be asked to name any
aspect of life which is not affected by plants, The paper
on which I am writing this, and that upon which it may
possibly eventually be printed, came from a plant; the
bread and jam for my tea and the tea I drink, come from
plants. The petrol which impels cars came originally from
plants. I am sitting on a chair which came from a plant.
Are we not back on the subject of botany as a career?
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