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PRELIMINARY DISCOURSES. 



, 



In reflecting upon the interesting character of Botanical know- 

 ledge, and upon the many inducements to acquire it, one i3 

 naturally led to ask, why a rational acquaintance with the Vegeta- 

 ble Products which every where surround us, and are literally 

 strewed along our paths, should not be adequately inculcated in all 

 our Seminaries, and especially I would ask, why such a humaniz- 

 ing and elegant Science should not be made an indispensable branch 

 of Female Education. As a mere accomplishment, it is intitled to 

 rank with any of those ornamental acquirements to which so much 

 time is devoted. As a means of enlarging the views, and disciplin- 

 ing the mind training it to habits of correct observation, and 

 profitable reflection, the Study of Plants is far superior to many 

 of the fashionable and fugitive attainments, which so generally 

 engross the attention of young Ladies. It is a pursuit, too, which 

 carries with it its own reward. The knowledge which it affords, is 

 at once pleasing in the acquisition, and of enduring value. It is 

 continually called for, and always at command, ready to minister 

 to the instruction and gratification of the possessor whether in the 

 Garden, the Field, or the Forest. 



These Studies said the Roman Orator, on another occasion and 

 the averment is no less applicable here, these Studies are the intel- 

 lectual nourishment of youth, and the cheering recreation 0jf age ; they 

 adorn prosperity, and are the refuge and solace of adversity ; they are 

 pleasant at home, and are no incumbrance abroad; they abide with us 

 by night go with us in all our travels and lend additional charms to 

 the attractions of our rural retreats.* 



Those who make only occasional visits, or excursions, in the 

 country, will find their pleasure greatly enhanced by an acquaint- 

 ance with the Plants which mainly contribute to the charms of the 

 scenery: But, by those whose constant residence is in the midst of 

 the vegetable tribes, a reasonable knowledge of Botany should be 

 regarded not merely as an accomplishment, but as one of the 

 indispensable qualifications for the duties of rural life.f I have 



> * Ilaec Studia adolescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, 

 adversis perfugium ac solatium praebent; delectant domi, non impediunt foris ; 

 pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur. CICERO, pro ARCHIA Poeta. 



f " Si vous avez vraiment 1'amour de la Botanique, vous ne traversez pas une 

 prairie, YOUS ne suivez pas la haie d'un chemin sans etre en communication in- 

 time, je dirai presque en conversation avec les plantes qui sont autour de TOUS ; 

 vous les saluez du regard, si vous les connaissez, sinon vous vous arretez aus- 

 sitot et les interrogez avec empressement et plaisir; et si vous voyagez, quel 

 interet profond et toujours nouveau s'attache a vos promenades ; comme vous vous 

 trouvez heureux en comparant votre ardeur a 1'air d'indifference et d'ennui du 

 promeueur oisif ou du touriste blase! " E. GERMAIN, DE SAIXX PIERRE. 



