Arrangements of Plants. 61 
passages cited by these writers are strictly reconcileable ; but if 
any doubt remained on this subject, it would readily be dissi- 
pated by a reference to his works. Even in the brief introduc- 
tion to his own fragments of natural orders, he has placed it in so 
clear and perspicuous a light, that it is impossible to mistake it. 
« Natural orders,” says he, ** cannot constitute a method without 
akey. In distinguishing plants, tbe artificial method is alone of 
any avail ; a natural method being scarcely, or rather not at all, 
possible. Natural orders are useful in acquainting us with the 
nature of plants, but an artificial method is requisite to their dis- 
crimination*.” And to this he has added, in language that must 
for ever remove all ambiguity on this head, “ Those persons who, 
instead of a natural method, have arranged plants in fragments. 
of such a method, and reject an artificial one, seem to me to 
resemble those who, having a convenient and well roofed house, 
overturn it, in order to build one in the place of it it er wbich 2 
are unable to finish the roof +.” ei hir 
That Linneus has in many parts of his E a highly com- 
mended those who have distinguished themselves in investigating 
the natural relations of plants, is certain; but to. suppose that 
by this he meant to approve of those: who pretended to. bave 
formed a natural arrangement, is to attribute to him. an opinion. 
which he has disavowed in the most pointed terms. ** A. real 
botanist," says he, ** will investigate the natural order of plants. 
when it can be discovered ;" but, “he! will not. boast of having 
* © Ordines naturales non constituunt*methodum absque cláve.. 
** Methodus artificialis itaque sola valet in diagnosi, cum clavis. M: naturalis vix ac ne - 
vix possibilis sit 
** Ordines iiis valent-de-natura plantarum —Arfificisiet in sems Maie e 
T © Qu loco methodi naturalis disponunt: plantas secundum ejus fragmenta, respuuntque. 
art ificialem, videntur mihi iis similes, qui commodam et fornicatam domum evertunt; inque - 
ejus locum reedificant aliam, sed tectum fornicis conficere non valent.” : 
; discovered: 
