16 INTRODUCTION". 



which become more or less conspicuous, according as 

 they promote the enjoyment of their respective pur- 

 suers, and enable them to accomplish with facility the 

 duties of life. 



More recently chemistry has become a favourite 

 branch of instruction, and it has strong claims to our at- 

 tention. Its intimate connection with the arts, the pre- 

 cision of its language, and more especially the brillian- 

 cy of its experiments, exhibiting little less than creative 

 power, have thrown around the lahratory of the chem- 

 ist, a lustre and a charm, sufficient to arouse the most 

 listless observer. 



But while chemistry unfolds the latent energies of 

 creation, and arms us with the power of the elements, 

 natural history displays the treasures of a world, and 

 makes them subservient to our enjoyment and use. 

 Interesting in all its relations, whether we pursue it for 

 pleasure, or employment, for amusement, or instruc- 

 tion, we are sure of our reward. And especially when 

 we turn our attention to the vegetable kingdom, whose 

 magnificent treasures give life and gaiety to millions of 

 animated beings, treasures, without which plenty has 

 no overflowing cup, and joy no flowery wreath, we 

 shall no longer despise the science which displays them 

 to our view. Then we shall justly value it, as the 

 source of innocent amusement, of practical information, 

 and of mental improvement. 



As an innocent amusement, it will afford recreation to 

 the man of business, and employment, happy employ- 

 ment to the man of leisure. To both it will yield that 

 serene satisfaction, that cheerful independence, which 

 look for happiness, not to fickle worms of the dust, but 

 to the great source of light and life. And having once 

 learned to read the volume of nature, it is always open 



