4 INTBODUCTOEY. 



" Let me advise you, Fanny, to take up some natural science 

 instead. There is a mental nourishment to be found in the 

 study of God's works. His glorious creation is outspread, and 

 its testimony is proclaimed to the simplest observer ; but the 

 more closely we look into His works the more fully are we 

 penetrated by their beauty, and many a message of Divine 

 love and peace conies to us by their ' silent lips.' You are 

 very fond of flowers begin to study them. A little patient 

 investigation will enable you to understand their structure, 

 habits, and classification ; and if you will diligently arrange 

 and collect, you may be of real and efficient help to me. Last 

 year I undertook a work too great for the small amount of 



time I have at my disposal. My uncle, the Vicar of in 



Devonshire, is forming a scientific institution in connection 

 with the Mill schools, which are of a high order. The mill- 

 owner is a truly benevolent and enlightened man he does 

 not regard his operatives as mere ' hands,' and he is as 

 anxious as my uncle to promote interest and recreation for 

 them after working hours. Uncle Henry means to give bo- 

 tanical lectures next winter, hoping thereby to provide the 

 poor people with mental occupation at the time, and to induce 

 them to spend their occasional holidays during the succeeding 

 summer in the country ; and I have undertaken to make a 

 collection of dried plants for illustration, with gigantic sketches 

 of one member of each natural family ; also to gather all 

 collateral information and association which may enliven the 

 subject to the young mechanics. If you and Edward will help 

 me, I shall be most thankful ; you could easily make the draw- 

 ings, and both could collect specimens of any plants you find in 

 flower during your rambles in the fields and copses." 



" I will help you, with all my heart," replied Fanny ; 

 " but I know absolutely nothing of botany. Will you, 

 during the next few days, try to teach me the necessary 

 principles ?" 



" Oh ! yes, do, rejoined Edward, " and admit me into the 



