XXXii PREFACE. 



of the science about to be taught; but in the present 

 instance I must presume that those who look to my 

 book for information, need no persuasion to the pur- 

 suit itself, nor any recommendation of Botany, or of 

 the study of Nature. Neither am I disposed to con- 

 tend here for the superiority of these pursuits over 

 others. A man who looks no further than the nar- 

 row bounds of his own profession or science, is 

 sometimes inclined to depreciate those of other 

 people, especially if any worldly advantage be con- 

 cerned. Some studies seem to contract the mind ; 

 but such is not the character of natural science, 

 which enlarges the understanding by a perpetual dis- 

 play of the power and wisdom of God, and encour- 

 ages our best hopes by sure testimonies of his good- 

 ness. He who feeds the sparrows, and clothes the 

 golden lily of the fields in a splendour beyond that 

 of Solomon himself, invites us, his rational crea- 

 tures, to confide in his promises of Eternal Life. 

 The simplest blade of grass, and the grain of corn 

 to which " he gives its own body," are sufficient to 

 convince us that our trust cannot be in vain. Let 

 those who hope to inherit these promises, and those 

 who love science for its own sake, cherish the same 

 benevolent dispositions. Envy and rivalship in one 

 case are no less censurable, than bigotry and uncha- 

 ritableness in the other. The former are as incom- 

 patible with the love of Nature, as the latter with 

 the love of God ; and they altogether unfit us for 

 the enjoyment of happiness here or hereafter. 



Norwich, 

 December 2, 1823. 



