591 



too much on his distinctions, and subdividing his orders; 

 than which nothing is more easy. Judgement and exten- 

 sive knowledge are displayed in tracing out the most es- 

 sential points of agreement in natural objects; not in 

 exalting into unmerited importance the most minute dif- 

 ferences. Hence the very conciseness of Linnaeus gives 

 perspicuity to his descriptions and definitions. These 

 afford the most instructive study, whatever mode of clas- 

 sification we may think most convenient. 



The French school has been much flattered by our 

 able countryman Mr. Brown, having classed his Prodro- 

 mus of the New Holland plants after the method of Jus- 

 sieu ; and many a botanist enjoys this national triumph 

 who is certainly not competent to appreciate the merit of 

 that work. The plants of so novel a country could not, 

 at this time of day, have been presented, with so much 

 advantage, to a philosophical botanist, as in some natural 

 arrangement, however imperfect ; nor will many students 

 travel thither, to make them out by methodical investiga- 

 tion. The touchstone of our learned friend's book how- 

 ever will be the Plants, incertce sedis, nor can it be judged, 

 as to the merit of the system employed, till it arrives at 

 that conclusion. He himself will surely not reckon it 

 complete without a Linnaean index, 



"To give the precious metal sterling weight." 



To the President of the Linticean Society of London. 



Sir, Surat, January 11, 1810. 



About three years back the exigence of professional 

 duty led me to a sequestered province of Malabar, where 

 the Cardamomum minus was indigenous, and engaged a 

 very large proportion of the industry of the natives, and 

 was productive of much revenue. As the period of my 

 visit coincided with the season of fructification, I availed 



