own country, or such as is familiarly known, 

 that the flowers maybe referred to without in- 

 convenience ; for all knowledge worth possess- 

 ing, must be derived from the source, and be 

 acquired by ourselves. Of the English plants, 

 common wild flowers have been preferred, that, 

 in the pursuit of this delightful study, exercise 

 and contemplation may be united ; for it is in 

 the country and in the fields that the heart is 

 made better, though in great cities the wit may 

 be improved. That my Niece may possess the 

 advantages of both, is the sincere wish of 



Your affectionate brother* 



R. D. 



