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accounted most fortunate. It is not, however, the 

 simple, the rude and uneducated, who derive the 

 most exquisite gratification from a contemplation 

 of the works of Nature. It is the mind, which, in 

 addition to refined literary accomplishments, an 

 intimacy with the fine arts and the cultivated sen- 

 sibilities of polite society, has added a considerable 

 attainment in those scientific pursuits which I have 

 been striving to recommend. The uniform testi- 

 mony of all who have walked in these paths is, that 

 they are ways of pleasantness. Dr. Elliott, to whom 

 the Botany of this country is so much indebted, says, 

 "It has been for many years, the occupation of my 

 leisure moments ; and it is a merited tribute to say, 

 that it has lightened for me many a heavy and 

 smoothed many a rugged hour ; that, beguiled by 

 its charms, I have found no road rough or difficult, 

 no journey tedious, no country desolate or barren. 

 In solitude never solitary, in a desert never without 

 employment, I have found it a relief from the lan- 

 guor of idleness, the pressure of business and the 

 unavoidable calamities of life." " I have traveled 

 throughout America," says Mr. Nuttall, "principally 

 with a view to becoming acquainted with some favor- 

 ite branches of Natural History. I had no other 

 end in view but personal gratification ; and, in this, 

 I have not been disappointed ; for innocent amuse- 

 ment can never leave room for regret. To converse, 

 as it were, with Nature, to admire the wisdom and 

 beauty of creation, has been, and I hope ever will 

 be, a favorite pursuit. To communicate to others a 



