i 
IV. On) Artificial and Natural Arrangements of Plants: and par- 
ticularly on the Systems of Linnaeus and Jussieu. By William 
Roscoe, Esq. F.L.S. 
Read November 6th, 1810. 
' ORDINES NATURALES valent de Natura Plantarum ; 
ARTIFICIALES in Diagnosi Plantarum. Linn, 
Tuar nature has impressed upon the individuals of her vege- 
table kingdom characters sufficient to enable us, not only to di- 
stinguish them from each other, but to form them into their pro- 
per families and combinations, cannot be doubted. Nor will it 
be denied that the arrangement of a system of vegetables, 
founded upon true natural distinctions, would be in the highest 
degree gratifying. It is not therefore surprising that so many 
attempts have been made to accomplish this most desirable ob- 
ject; but attractive and splendid as it may be, and certainly as 
it is known to exist, it is not likely to be ever fully disclosed to 
our view.—** The majesty of nature" glances before our sight, but 
as often as we attempt to retain her, she eludes our efforts.— Her 
vegetable productions are so numerous, their characteristics often 
so difficult to ascertain, they are related to each other by so 
many 
