John Lubbock

“ It is very remarkable, considering how long we have lived on this globe with other animals and plants, how little we know about them; and yet there is intense interest in unravelling the secrets of nature. ”

“ Again, many show their love of flowers by gathering them; sometimes getting very soon tired of them and throwing them away. I have often been asked why I do not gather flowers when I am so fond of them; but I always say that is the very reason why I prefer to leave them where they are growing.
The use of the word sport is I think unfortunate. A great deal more interest is to be got out of animals by keeping them alive than by putting them to death. ”

“ Our rarer animals and plants are gradually disappearing. Parliament has done what it could in passing wise laws, and County Councils are doing their best to carry them into effect. They can, however, effect comparatively little, unless they have the general support of the community.
We hear a good deal about the love of Nature, but it often takes an unfortunate form. It was said of King William Rufus that he "loved the tall deer like a father"; but what he loved was killing them, and I am afraid that the love of animals shown by many people is of that description. ”