50 Dr. Smiru’s Introductory. Difcourfe. 
Cai 
and worth of the ever to be lamented Solander. Who is not ac- 
quainted with every circumftance of that celebrated voyage round 
the world, which has enriched every branch of natural knowledge 
in fo eminent a degree? Who has not obferved with pleafure the 
laudable emulation of a neighbouring country in promoting fimi- 
lar undertakings, to which we are indebted for the botanical ac- 
quifitions of Commerfon, Sonnerat, Aublet and Dombey ? When I 
confider all thefe, added to the difcoveries of Pallas in Siberia, of 
Sparrman, Maflon and Thunberg at the Cape, and efpecially the 
acquifitions which the latter, undifmayed by the moft formidable 
difficulties, made in Japan; when I contemplate the diftinguifhed 
abilities of many other living naturalifts, the excellent publications 
of Schreber, Rottboll, Retzius, Allioni, Scopoli, Brouffonet, L’Heri- 
tier, the philofophical Herman, and many others, not to mention 
fome in our own country which may vie with any of thefe, I am 
induced to confider the prefent age as one of the moft propitious to 
the ftudy of nature, on the moft folid and philofophical principles ; 
and when I look around me at home, and fee how very much the 
love of botany in particular, and the cultivation of plants, is in- 
creafing among perfons of rank and fortune, as well as the trea- 
fures which are daily enriching our gardens and cabinets, I cannot 
help indulging the moft flattering hopes that my own country will 
foon in an eminent manner be diftinguifhed above the reft of 
Euope in thefe ufeful and pleafing purfuits. But the degree of 
credit we have already acquired muft not lull us into a torpid 
fecurity. We mutt keep in mind that France, our rival in power, 
js alfo our rival in fcience, and even at Paris Linnzus has now his 
followers, who defpifing all national prejudices, dare to admire truth — 
and genius wherever they find them. Let this excite in us a lauda- 
` ble {pirit of emulation; not the narrow jealoufy which diftinguifhes 
thofe, who, confcious of their own weaknefs or undeferved reputa- 
2 tions 
