own country, or such as is familiarly known, 

 that the flowers may be referred to without in- 

 convenience ; for all knowledge, worth possess- 

 ing, must be derived from the source, and be 

 acquired by ourselves. Of the English plants, 

 wild flowers have been preferred, that, in the 

 pursuit of this delightful study, exercise and 

 contemplation may be united; for it is in the 

 country and in the fields that the heart is made 

 better, though in great cities the wit may be 

 improved. That my Niece may possess the 

 advantages of both, is the sincere wish of 



Your affectionate brother, 



R. D. 



