INTRODUCTION*, 



XXIX 



comparison with natural chemistry, which 



distils from the earth, and conveys by distinct 

 channels in the smallest stem all that is ne- 

 cessary to produce foliage, flowers, and fruit, 

 tog-ether with colour, smell, and taste, the 

 most opposite fluids and liquids being sepa- 

 rated only by divisions so delicate as scarcely 

 to be deemed a substance. The research 

 into the wonders displayed in vegetation may 

 be entered into, without hurting the sensibi- 

 lity of the most tender feelings, as plants and 

 roots may be dissected without those dis- 

 agreeable sensations which follow the dissec- 

 tion of animals. 



Amongst the delights of the garden, the 

 pleasure of presenting flowers to our friends 

 is not the least. Bouquets of flowers may be 

 safely presented to acknowledge obligations, 

 or to shew respect, where, in many instances, 

 any other return for favours received would 

 appear impertinent, or look like a desire to be 

 discharged of the obligation conferred on us. 

 They are a kind of present that may be made 

 between equals and mutual friends to shew 

 regard, and that may also be made by the 



