This objection recurs again and again, and unless it can be put out of the way it must prejudice missionary survey.

It would be wise, it would be right, to collect information on only one point, if that were all that we could do.

It would be better than to rest content with total ignorance.
Nevertheless, when anyone collects with care statistics on any particular point, he is certain to meet the objection that his labour ought to be ignored because he has not collected information about something else.

As if total ignorance were preferable to partial knowledge! Is there any answer to the argument, that "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise," when supported by "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing," other than Dr.Arnold's maxim, "Where it is our duty to act it is also our duty to learn"?
(v) We have not been careful to avoid asking for details of which we are well aware that the statistics do not now exist.

We have thought it our duty rather to point out the information necessary for arriving at right conclusions than to mislead our readers by pretending that it is possible to form judgments and act properly without taking the trouble to collect information which is really necessary.