BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 27 
diate direction of the author) of * Earth, Plants, and Man,’ by J. F. 
Schouw, who, we regret to say, is grievously afflicted by a long-con- 
tinued illness :— 
“The introduction of ornamental plants from abroad was effected 
in former days by diplomatic persons, merchants, or travellers, who 
interested themselves about such things, and forwarded or took them 
home. Afterwards, travelling botanists, especially those accompanied 
by skilful gardeners, were the chief promoters of such importations. 
More recently our shrubberies and pleasure-grounds have been enriched 
by scientifically-educated gardeners, sent abroad expressly for that 
purpose. Among the latter class no one deserves greater credit than 
David Douglas. Being sent out by the Horticultural Society of London 
to the Northern States of America and its north-west coast, especially 
the banks of the river Columbia, he introduced into England a greater 
number of hardy trees, shrubs, and animals than any one had done 
before him, namely 53 woody and 145 herbaceous plants, making - 
altogether 198 species, for the most part quite new. These plants, 
being hardy enough to bear the climate of Europe, have multiplied 
to an incredible extent in England, as well as on the Continent, so that 
one scarcely ever sees a garden, however humble, that is without some 
of these great ornaments. We may particularize the many new 
species of Pentstemon, Lupinus, Œnothera, Gilia, Collomia, several 
beautiful species of Aides, and many sorts of _ Pines. 
* Having done so much in America, Douglas went to the Sandwich 
Islands, where he fell a sacrifice to his ardent zeal, being gored to 
death by a wild bull, caught in a pit dug by the natives, and into which 
the unfortunate traveller fell. He was only thirty-six years old. If 
we consider the powerful moral influence which floriculture exerts on — 
mankind, we may assuredly rank that young man among those who have — 
honourably sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty—not — 
less than the soldier who dies in the field of battle. Gardening pur- - 
suits not only tend to the preservation of health, but they soften and - 
subdue passions, and elevate the mind above commonplace things. — 
The cottage, from which we can peep into a pretty flower-garden - 
attached to it, is sure to be neat and well-regulated within; and if 
there is a flower-stand Outside, we shall mostly find a well-stored book- 2 
shelf within. He, therefore, who sacrifices his life in promoting these - 
desirable results among his fellow-creatures, does more good, generally, = 
