ADVANTAGES. 19 



esting objects, like the characters of Algebra, serve to 

 produce an accuracy of discrimination, which is the 

 foundation of correct taste, the essence of sound judg- 

 ment, and the object of every judicious system of edu- 

 cation. And an intimacy with natural objects serves to 

 cherish those finer feelings, which give delicacy to 

 taste, and brilliancy to fancy, feelings which are often 

 buried amidst the rubbish of severer sciences. On this 

 account it is peculiarly suited to the culture of the fe- 

 male mind. There we look for the glow of fancy, 

 sprightliness of thought, correctness and delicacy of 

 taste, and there, if properly cultivated, we are sure to 

 find them. 



Such are the benefits which may be derived from the 

 culture of botanical science. It relieves from the 

 weariness of an idle, the fatigue of a busy, and the 

 troubles of a contentious world. Its pleasures pure, 

 rational, and lasting, are meted out with a liberal hand, 

 neither stained by passion nor deformed by guilt. — 

 Pure, for they flow from the contemplation of sinless ob- 

 jects, monuments of goodness and power, whose perfec- 

 tions in the the language of the Lyric Bard, perpetually 



"Offer notes divine, 



To our Creator's praise." 



They are also abundant. He must be rich to whom 

 the world pays tribute, rich indeed if that tribute be 

 happiness. Such is the wealth of the Botanist, and 

 there is no field so barren but it yields fruits for him, 

 no plant so contemptible but he views it with pleasure. 

 He finds animation and intelligence wherever he goes, 

 new charms in every object, and new beauties in every 

 scene. Earth teems with gladness, and in the solitude 

 of the wood he finds interesting companions, untarnish- 

 ed by the rude touch, unknown to the vulgar eye. 



