192 The Flora of Wiltshire. 



(says Dr. Balfour,) "by no means of an evanescent nature, but lasting 

 during life, — and at once recalled by the sight of the specimens 

 which were collected. An occasional glance at an Herbarium, wiU. 

 call forth many a pleasing recollection, many a circumstance other- 

 wise forgotten." One little plant will often tell a tale of adven- 

 ture, and revive many an agreeable association of persons, places, 

 and incidents. This is not the least of its pleasures. It appears 

 that it is only after the lapse of time, and especially when far 

 removed from the scenes of botanical study, that we can fully ap- 

 preciate its value. Should not this then be a strong incentive to 

 the study of the science of nature, that in the pursuit thereof we 

 form the acquaintance of those who are treading the same paths ; 

 and lay the foundation of friendship always delightful, and ever 

 permanent ? 



Botany has a still higher claim upon our attention than those 

 already indicated. It forms no small portion of that great volume of 

 nature, which, when read in the true spirit of wisdom, serves as 

 the handbook to the Volume of Inspiration. It is the echo of the 

 voice of the Creator " of the heavens, and of the earth, and all that 

 therein is." The knowledge of the one will never be found at 

 variance with tTie truths of the other. Nay, the more deeply we 

 study each — the more minutely we compare the facts and pheno- 

 mena of the one with the revelations of the other, the more 

 evidently shall we see the harmony that subsists between them, 

 and the more beautiful is the light they shed upon each other. 



In the arrangement of the " Flora," the county has been parted 

 into two principal divisions, and these again into five subordinate sec- 

 tions. The species have been severally traced through each division 

 and section, so far as ascertained to occur in them. Upon this plan 

 it is hoped that complete lists for several districts will ultimately 

 be recorded, by inducing repeated excursions into each of them in 

 succession. For in order to be of scientific value, a Flora should be 

 even more remarkable for the accuracy of the stations it enume- 

 rates, than for the number of species it contains. Experience has 

 shown, that it is almost impossible for any one person, however active, 

 satisfactorily to examine a large tract of country. Therefore, in a 



