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little further on I joyfully waded up to my knees in 
a swamp to gather Swertza perennis. All the plain 
abounds with the beautiful Dianthus alpinus, the 
leaves of which differ so much in narrowness and 
sharpness from the Austrian one, that I have some- 
times suspected them to be distinct species. No- 
thing however is more common on Mount Cenis 
than Dryas octopetala, forming thick tufts many 
feet in breadth, covered with its elegant flowers and 
feathery heads of seeds. On this elastic alpine 
couch we reposed when tired with walking, and the 
delicious temperature of the air made any shelter 
perfectly indifferent. 
“Such are a part of the botanical riches of this 
interesting mountain, not to mention numerous 
species of Arenaria, Silene, Achillea, Astragalus, 
Juncus, and grasses of various kinds. Of all these 
treasures I laid in as large a stock as I could well 
bring away, multiplying my own enjoyments in the 
anticipation of the pleasure I should have in supply- 
ing my friends at home. The selfish dealer in mys- 
teries and secrets, the hoarder of unique specimens, 
knows nothing of the best pleasures of science.” 
In an introductory lecture at the Royal Institu- 
tion Albemarle-street, in 1808, the author of the 
Tour observes, that “ Of all studies, perhaps natu- 
ral history is the most practical. Its very charm 
consists in the interest it gives to objects always 
before our eyes, but which it furnishes us with a 
new sense to admire, to enjoy, and to understand. 
“From the earliest period of my recollection, 
y 2 
