33 



rious plants, as well as to discover those that possess 

 medicinal properties, which abound in our country. 

 Although not enumerated among the principal de- 

 partments of science into which the Institution is 

 organized, the importance of it has not been over- 

 looked. It will be one of the most cherished objects 

 of the National Institution, to establish, at some fu- 

 ture day, a botanic garden, where plants of every 

 country and every clime may be introduced, and 

 their properties studied. 



In none other of the wonderful works of God are 

 to be seen stronger evidences of beneficent design 

 than in the propagation, growth, life, and death of 

 plants ; and the pursuits of the botanist are not only 

 useful, pleasing, and healthful, but are calculated to 

 elevate his thoughts "from nature up to nature's 

 God.' 



It is difficult to understand any physical science or 

 useful art without the aid of Chemistry; and the In- 

 stitution has very properly devoted an entire section 

 to this science. By its means, the component parts 

 of all substances become known, whether mineral, 

 vegetable, or animal, of air or of water. It teaches 

 us to detect those which are deleterious, and to com- 

 pound such as are healthful. It guides the manu- 

 facturer in the preparation of the various materials 

 of his art, and the agriculturist in the application of 

 manures which give fruitfulness to barren and worn 

 out soils. 



Chemistry, although it owes its origin to the la- 

 bors of the ancient alchymists, is, as a separate sci- 

 ence, of modern date. The great improvements and 



