282 OF MAKING AN 



and tlie intricacy of the subject, but because Linnaeus 

 had only partially studied certain parts of that sub- 

 ject, and was undecided in his sentiments upon those 

 parts. It was a singular instance of indulgent liberality 

 in him to allow his disciples Fabricius and Giseke to 

 make notes, for their own use, of what he considered 

 himself as scarcely competent to lay in a finished form 

 before the public. We are obliged to the editor-for 

 preserving these valuable though crude materials, and 

 he has shown ability in digesting and elucidating them. 

 I should scarcely, for my own part, have thought it 

 right to furnish still more crude and imperfect guesses 

 and opinions, from manuscripts which their illustrious 

 author had purposely, as it appears, withheld from his 

 auditors, lest he should lead them into error. This 

 will explain a note in Professor Giseke's preface,/?. 19, 

 which however was printed before his request came to 

 my knowledge ; for two very intelligent friends, through 

 whom it was meant to be conveyed, judged it unrea- 

 sonable to be made, as well as improper to be com- 

 plied with, and therefore suppressed the message. 



I have only to add a few practical remarks on the 

 preparation and use of an Herbarium or Hortifs Siccus. 

 The advantages of preserving specimens of plants, as 

 far as it can be done, for examination at all times and 

 seasons, is abundandy obvious. Notwithstanding the 



