27 



The reproduction of vegetable forms is unquestion- 

 ably a vital process, but there is no reason to believe 

 that more may not be known respecting it, than has 

 yet been developed ; and it is possible future re- 

 searches may throw such light upon its different 

 modes, and the modifications of which it is suscep- 

 tible from the varied conditions under which it may 

 take place, as will enable art to eifect a proposed 

 end, by supplying and arranging those conditions. 

 The whole surface of the globe has now been so 

 thoroughly explored, that we can scarcely expect the 

 discovery of any very important addition to our kitch- 

 en, fruit, or even flower gardens ; our principal re- 

 source, therefore, for improvement in this respect, 

 lies in the production of new varieties. To avail 

 ourselves of this, with any determinate degree of 

 success, requires that knowledge to which 1 have 

 just alluded. This field is still open to the enter- 

 prising physiologist, and promises a rich reward to 

 him whose industry and skill shall compel it to yield 

 a harvest. 



With regard to the other departments of botanical 

 science, viz — Glossology, which teaches the names of 

 the different parts of plants; Phytography, which treats 

 of nomenclature, and the art of describing plants, so 

 that they may be easily recognized ; Taxonomy, or 

 the theory of classification and arrangement, applied 

 to plants ; Botanical Geography, which teaches the 

 natural distribution of plants over the earth's surface, 

 showing their relations to temperature, elevation, 

 soil, fee. as well as the several minor divisions adopt- 



