HISTORY. i^> 



He little knew how much it surpassed in many respects 

 the favourite abode of his kindred philosophers. Michaux 

 has not only told us what trees enrich the different sec- 

 tions of our country, but he has mentioned the various 

 uses to which they are appropriated, on which account 

 his work is one of the most interesting, as well as most 

 valuable, in the whole range of botany. His object in 

 visiting this country, was to ascertain what of its vast 

 productions might with advantage be transferred to 

 France, and when this was accomplished he returned 

 to Europe. The publication of his work was entrust- 

 ed to his son,* who had accompanied him in these re- 

 searches, and he soon afterwards fell a victim to his 

 exertions, while exploring the fruitful regions of Mada- 

 gascar. The diligent enquirer after truth, the devot- 

 ed patriot may imitate but will never surpass the ex- 

 ample of the elder Michaux. 



Among American botanists none have ranked higher 

 than the late Dr. Muhlenburg of Lancaster. While 

 performing his parochial duties this venerable clergy- 

 man is said to have been extensively useful to his poor 

 parishioners, by teaching them the healing efficacy of 

 their native plants. How delightful must have been 

 his employment, whose life was devoted to the attain- 

 ment of useful information, which diffused the smiles 

 of gladness around the abode of misery, and made him 

 the ever welcome visitor of his friends. Such was 

 the employment of a man whose works — whose opin- 

 ions — whose hints — whose very doubts have contribu- 

 ted to the advancement of botanical science. 



* F. A. Michaux, whose splendid work on the forest trees o: 

 North America has been recently published in Philadelphia. 



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