PEELIMIHAEY DISCOUESES. VU 



the Creator, and to regard with something like the pleasure of a 

 friendly recognition, every Plant -which he has successfully in- 

 vestigated!* 



We know, indeed, that those groveling mortals who consider 

 nothing as valuable, but mere tangible wealth, are apt to regard the 

 researches of the Naturalist as useless and frivolous, just as gross, 

 uncultivated minds suppose all pleasures to consist in sensual grati- 

 fications, and have no conception of such a thing as intellectual 

 enjoyment. It is the besetting infirmity of sordid natures, to mis- 

 take the instrument for the object ; to limit the aim, and confine the 

 affections, to the means of enhancing our character, as rational 

 beings instead of employing those means for the attainment of a 

 nobler end. But, is it true, that the studies of the Naturalist are 

 useless and frivolous ? On the contrary, the most bigoted Utilitarian 

 on a moment's reflection will be forced to admit, that they are 

 fraught with results of daily, and high practical value, in many of 

 the most important pursuits. To the Agriculturist, the Gardener, 

 the Physician, and the Artist, a correct and even scientific 

 knowledge of the Vegetable Kingdom is, to a certain extent, indis- 

 pensable : for, a scientific knowledge of plants merely implies an 

 acquaintance with their true character and properties, and that, 

 every person whose business is with plants, is bound in honesty 

 and good faith as well as by the requirements of self-interest to 

 possess. Such knowledge is, of course, to be best obtained by 

 means of the most skillful, systematic, and facile method of in- 

 vestigation; or, in other words, by the help of a truly scientific 

 arrangement. 



* No one ever heard a true lover of Botany complain of taedium vitae, or of a 

 want of pleasant employment for his leisure hours. His pursuits, it is true, do 

 not produce that vehement excitement which attends the scrambling rivalry of 

 political aspirants, and is so seductive to the eager fancies of the crafty and ambi- 

 tious ; but the gratifications resulting from their culture being founded on a 

 consciousness of their value to our fellow creatures, as well as to ourselves are 

 of the most precious and enduring character, and are, moreover, wholly inde- 

 pendent of vulgar taste or caprice. [See Sir H. DAVY'S Consolations in Travel.] 



The attractions of Botanical Science are truthfully and appropriately alluded 

 to, in the following extract of a Letter from the late Sir JAMES EDWARD SMITH to 

 the Rev. Dr. MUHLENBERG, dated London, March 6, 1793 : " You cannot be more 

 enthusiastically fond of Botany than I am; and your letter promises me a fresh 

 instance, in addition to many already experienced, that this study charming in 

 itself is still more valuable as a key to the intercourse of the most amiable 

 minds. To Botany I owe friendships and connexions I else could have had no 

 chance of forming; and your Letter, overflowing with the milk of human kind- 

 ness, and with the amiable modesty of real merit, promises mo one which it will 

 be my most anxious care and ambition to deserve." 



