82 IN MEMORiAM. [March, 



It is true that the sciences of astronomy, geology, and even the 

 so-called science of phrenology, do not lack admirers, nor are 

 their votaries denied a respectful meed of praise. Contempt, 

 or at least neglect, is the botanist's sole reward. His revela- 

 tions are not novel and astounding, like those of the geologist 

 and astronomer, which shake the faitji of some in the book of 

 Genesis, and in the history of the wars of Josliua, and in that 

 of the reign of King Ahaz, when the sun travelled in a direction 

 contrary to his usual course. 



The modern philosopher, like the ancient, s^-ys, in reference to 

 the science of vegetation, Cui bono ? 



It is very much to be wished that modern botanists would con- 

 descend to tell simple but earnest inquirers something more in- 

 structive about plants than their names and place in a botanical 

 system ; and that, instead of wrangling about their affinities and 

 relationships, their nativities and their specific origin, they would 

 say more about their utilities in their application to the common 

 wants of mankind, their immense importance in the decorative 

 arts of design, whether plastic or pictorial, their influence on the 

 taste, the judgment, and the imagination of those who observe 

 them, their humanizing tendencies, their adaptation for convey- 

 ing religious ipstruction, etc. " Consider the lilies how they 

 grow.'' 



But over, though not above, these important considerations on 

 the multifarious uses of plants, they supply their possessors with 

 an easy way of gratifying other collectors at very little cost to the 

 donor himself. The finder of a rare plant has as much pleasure 

 in the gratification it will afford his friends as he has in placing 

 it in his own herbarium. 



The above considerations are advanced to justify a pursuit ; and 

 honesty will not permit us to apologize for it, even though it be 

 misunderstood or unappreciated by the bulk of mankind, and by 

 some it is disparaged as the sheerest folly. If botanists will be 

 true to themselves, and stand by their order, they can dispense 

 with the popular applause so liberally bestowed on amateur stu- 

 dents of other sciences ; and, if their labours be of real practical 

 advantage to society, they will ultimately succeed in attracting 

 the approbation of those who are best qualified to pass a correct 

 judgment on the value of their operations, 



They must make their own way, as Shakspere expresses this 



