Systems of Botany. 417 



Torrey, is the most important step which has yet been taken 

 here, towards investing the science of vegetable nature, with 

 that dignity which belongs to all the branches of natural know- 

 ledge, when considered in relation to their usefulness and har- 

 mony with universal nature. 



No branch of natural history has been so much taught and 

 studied in the United States as botany, through the Liunasan 

 system. Holding, therefore, a very high opinion of the system 

 to which Mr. Lindley's work is introductory, and which, we be- 

 lieve, will ere long supersede the Linnsean system, with all 

 those who investigate for truth's sake, we feel it a duty to give 

 some reasons for the opinion we entertain. We shall, therefore, 

 in accordance with the general plan of our Journal, after some 

 general observations upon natural arrangement, give a somewhat 

 elementary account of the natural system of botany, that our 

 readers may be divested of many of their prejudices against it, 

 and be induced to give it an impartial consideration. We are 

 satisfied that those of our botanical readers who are thus influ- 

 enced, will be grateful to us for having opened a subject to 

 them, entirely consistent with the true method of studying 

 nature. 



There are but two methods of considering the classification 

 of animals and plants, one of which is less appropriate to an ad 

 vanced state of society, like the present, than the other. The 

 immense number of individual animals and plants in existence, 

 produced, in the earliest stage of society, of necessity, an imper- 

 fect classification. The first rude method, was to call all the 

 inhabitants of the waters, fishes ; all the winged animals, birds. 

 The distinct individuals of these elements, were recognized and 

 named, generally, after some external mark which distinguished 

 them. All classifications and arrangements depending upon 

 generalizations ; and principles of this nature, are artificial and 

 incomplete. They disclose nothing concerning the place and 

 functions individuals occupy in the scheme of universal nature, 

 and are only fitted for that indolent infancy of natural know- 

 ledge, which precedes the conception of immutable and univer- 

 sal principles of afiinity. 



The other method, which grows out of a more attentive study 

 of nature, is the one appropriate to an advanced state of society ; 

 when men have examined extensively into natural phenomena. 



Vol. 1.-5:5 



