By Thomas Bruges Floicer, Esq. 191 



in the economy of man. Having done this, it remains vpithin our 

 choice in what way we are to follow up our knowledge practically ; 

 whether, as agriculturists, to contribute to the improvement of 

 land, or, as horticulturists, to beautify our private mansions. 



Should the inclinations of the botanist tend to the scientific pur- 

 suit of the subject, nothing can prove a greater source of pleasure 

 than the forming of an Herbarium, or repository of plants, either of 

 the district in which he lives, or of the county generally.^ In 

 order to do this, he allots a few spare hours occasionally to the 

 field; perambulating the valley or the plain, picking here and there 

 a plant of ordinary form and appearance : a little farther on he 

 gathers of the sweet and lovely flowers of the little stream or the 

 winding river. At another time he will explore the woods, or 

 climb the rocky sides of a distant hill, adding plentifully to his 

 stock of plants rich in gay colours, as well as to that of shrubs, 

 whose verdant green contrasts strongly with the slender grasses, 

 carices, and ferns of the swamp beneath . A third excursion will 

 find him upon some of our lofty downs, amongst plants of great 

 variety, remarkable for the fineness of their texture and richness 

 of colour, and enhanced greatly by their modesty of size. 



Such rambles afibrd endless sources of gratification. While they 

 contribute to the health and strength of the body, they exhilarate 

 the spirits, and impart to them tone and vigour. Not the least of their 

 advantages, arc the wholesome impressions made upon the mind, 

 chiefly by the associations with which they are afterwards connected. 



He who has joined with companions in a botanical party, and with 

 them often visited native sjjots of beauty, and gathered their treasures, 

 can truly knowthe feelings of delight that arise in the breast, "feelings" 



' It being the intention of the Society to commence the formation of a County 

 Herbal ium for future reference, Botanists would confer an especial favour, by 

 forwarding to Mr. Cunnington, Devizes, duplicates of such Wiltshire plants 

 as they could conveniently spare, or would collect, and dry for the Society. It is 

 alHo recjuc'sted that any apparent Anomaly or Monstrosity occurring in the 

 growtli of plants may be preserved, and deposited in the "Museum," when they 

 shall receive such explanations as their nature will permit. By this means, 

 Botany would acquire an accession of useful labourers, whose materials may 

 hereafter be employed, modelled, and arranged by those, whoso better talents, 

 and more abundant leisure, may render them particularly fitted for the task. 



