Arrangements of Plants. 55 
mination of the individuals of the vegetable kingdom ; the modes 
of their existence, economy, and reproduction, and various 
other particulars connected with botanical studies. To enume- 
rate merely the writers on these subjects whose works are en- 
titled to approbation, would be to form a considerable catalogue. 
That the mass of information thus obtained has thrown great 
light on the physiology of plants, cannot be doubted ; and no 
undertaking could be more commendable, or more worthy of the 
talents of the illustrious scholar who engaged in it, than that of 
endeavouring to apply such knowledge to general use, and show- 
ing the affinities and connections which nature bas established 
between the individuals of her vegetable kingdom. ‘The great 
utility of such a work is obvious; its foundations are deeply 
laid in the principles of nature; and in order to make a profi- 
ciency in such study, it is necessary to examine far beyond the 
exterior phenomena which are requisite for an artificial arrange- 
ment. Hence the science acquires new dignity ; and, instead of - 
being conversant merely with exterior forms and nominal distinc- 
tions, becomes acquainted with the laws and operations of na- 
ture in one of the most important of her functions ; that by 
wbich she elicits from unorganized matter the means of support 
for animal life. 
Of the ability with which Jussieu has — his task, and 
the impulse which he has given to these pursuits, every botanical 
student is well informed; nor is it possible to recommend his 
writings, and those of several of his countrymen who have 
adopted, and perhaps improved upon his system, too earnestly to 
their attention, as elucidating the natural characters and relative 
connections of a considerable portion of the vegetable kingdom. 
This, however, is not the whole to which ‚these authors lay REGE 
It 
