ADVANTAGES. Vt 



and before them ; and every plant becomes a monu- 

 ment of pleasure, displaying its interesting organs, re- 

 vealing its useful properties* and associated with pleas- 

 ant recollections. A single example will serve to illus- 

 trate the truth of this observation. In almost every 

 section of the United States, is found a weed, which to 

 the eye of a common observer, presents no idea of 

 usefulness or beauty ; but it reminds the botanist of 

 the same plant, which, presented by the Roman war- 

 rior, became the sacred pledge of friendship, the same 

 Vervain with which their sacrifices were garnished, the 

 same which formed a garland for their priests, and a 

 wreath for their temples. He remembers, that gather- 

 ed on a moonless night, it was employed by the Druids 

 to remove diseases, conciliate friendships, and secure 

 the accomplishment of every wish ; and though as an 

 amulet it has lost its charm, and its reputation as a rem- 

 edy, it is still a welcome intruder for the ideas which it 

 recalls. Associations of this kind render botany at all 

 times pleasing and instructive. But as the source of 

 useful information, it has still stronger claims. Perhaps 

 the victim of disease is at this moment, trampling under 

 feet the very plant, which if properly applied would 

 restore him to health. I need not say how pleasant it 

 is to know the properties of those plants, by which we 

 are immediately surrounded. Their history and ap- 

 plication to the various purposes of domestic economy, 

 should be investigated by every man who would be ex- 

 tensively useful to those around him. 



By the botanic researches ofBartramand his compan- 

 ions, the Magnolia and the Azalea, as well as numer- 

 ous other ornaments of our forests, were transferred to 

 the princely gardens of Europe. By the labours of 

 Michaux his country was enriched with resources more 



