6 



pline. Comparing botanical studies with the classics and mathe- 

 matics, Professor Lindley says: "These subjects train the 

 memory and the reasoning faculties, but they do not touch 

 the habit of observation." This is of prime importance, 

 and best acquired by the pursuits of the naturalist. Hence 

 Professor Edward Forbes remarks : " The study of an animal 

 or vegetable species is the perfection of observation as far as 

 that species is concerned. The form, the substance, the quali- 

 ties, the phenomena of existence, the influence of surrounding 

 objects, are all observed with the greatest precision and de- 

 fined so as to be capable of expression in words. No point 

 affecting that species is left untouched. The study of a group 

 or genus of animals or vegetables is in like manner the per- 

 fection of discrimination. All the members of the group are 

 compared in all their parts with each other, the relations which 

 they have in common are all summed up and their differences 

 recorded in every possible point of view. The causes of those 

 .relations and differences are carefiilly inquired into and a sur- 

 vey is taken of the bearings of the whole group to its proxi- 

 mate allies, and, finally, to all equivalent assemblages in 

 organized nature. Who can rise up from such a study and 

 not feel mentally strengthened? The mind in such an exer- 

 cise must gain in both its analytic and synthetic powers." 



Another argument of great moment in favor of botanical 

 pursuits arises from the endless number and variety of objects 

 for investigation everywhere presented to view whereby the 

 attention is awakened and all the powers of the mind kept in 

 a condition of activity. In mathematical and classical studies 

 the lack of interest often entirely hinders progress and tends 

 to beget dullness and inattention. In the training of young 

 men to become intelligent and progressive farmers and gar- 

 deners, the value of this kind of mental culture and discipline 

 can hardly be overestimated. The records of worthless ex- 

 periments which fill our agricultural libraries attest the truth 

 of this assertion, and show that more education is imperatively 

 demanded in this profession. 



It has been said that a person might be an excellent botan- 

 ist without knowing the name of a single species. While this 

 is not literally true, it expresses with great force the fact that 

 the names of plants do not constitute the science of botany. 



