194 NATURAL SYSTEM. 
soon. And it is called “ Natural,” because it endeavours 
follow the analogies and differences chalked out by nature, 
which has grouped vegetables, as well as animals, in Fam 
lies, differing from each other in several particulars, but i 
each of which families, all the species agree in many impo! 
tant external characters, and, more or less, in their intern 
structure and properties. 
683. Linnzus himself was sensible that the perfection 
the natural method was the great end of Botanical science, 
and he published what he called Fragments of a Nature 
Method. There were not materials, however, in his time, 
for establishing the proper distinctive characters, and collect 
ing the families into a system. He observes, however, that 
the natural system is no chimera, as all plants, of what ord 
soever, show an affinity to others ; and hence, if this affinity. . 
or the links of this natural chain could once be made out and 
connected, not only the virtues of a great number of species 
may be ascertained, but we may know with certainty how 
find a proper succedaneum for plants which cannot easily 
had. Jussieu brought to light this chain, the existence 
which Linnewus had wished for and anticipated, while sue 
ceeding botanists, Brown, De Candolle, and others, have doi 
much towards bringing the extremities of it into sight, rem-_ 
dering our view of some obscure parts more clear, and demon-— 
_ strating the complete connection of the various links. 
