HISTORY OF BOTANY. 321 



Paris, has pursued his inquiries into the anatomical structure, 

 and the physical operations of plants, to an extent not exceeded 

 by any other naturalist ; his " Elemens de Botanique" is a 

 splendid work, which forms a very important and valuable ad- 

 dition to a botanical library. 



The Baron Humboldt spent five years in investigating the 

 vegetable productions of the equatorial regions in America, 

 and his remarks on vegetables, as a criterion of climate, are 

 original and interesting. 



Josephine, the first wife of Napoleon, was distinguished for 

 her fondness for this study ; other ladies of distinction, stimula- 

 ted by her example, cultivated plants with reference to scien- 

 tific observations. 



In England, Mrs. Wakefield, and the industrious and talent- 

 ed Mrs. Marcet (author of Conversations on Natural Philosophy, 

 Chemistry, &c.), have distinguished themselves as the authors 

 of useful treatises on Botany. 



De Candolle's " Elementary Theory of Botany," is highly 

 valued as a scientific and able performance ; but it is useful, 

 rather for those who have already attained a knowledge of the 

 elements of botany, than for the beginner in the science. 



In turning from Europe to the United States, we find the 

 state of literature flourishing, and a taste for the natural sci- 

 ences becoming extensively diffused. The names of many of 

 our naturalists stand high in Europe, as well as in their own 

 country. 



Among these are Silliman, who established the first scienti- 

 fic journal,* and encouraged others to pursue the course of in- 

 vestigation which he himself has followed so successfully. Ea- 

 ton has, indefatigably laboured to bring science within the reach 

 of every inquirer, by divesting it of ttfe dress of foreign lan- 

 guages, and the parade of learning ; not only rendering the 

 labours of others of more general utility, but adding to the 

 common stock, the result of years of inquiry and observation. 



To go back to the infancy of science in the United States, 

 we find the name of Bartram stands recorded in history, as that 

 of the first native of our country who was conspicuous for bo- 

 tanical researches. 



Houston investigated the region of Canada, and described 

 many of its plants ; in honour of him is named the little flower 

 HOUSTONIA coeruka. 



* Except the Mineralogical Journal of Bruce, which ceased after the appear- 

 ance of a few numbers. 



Females who have interested themselves in the study of botany Natural^ 

 Jets of the United States. 



