(338 ) 



PRINCIPLES OF VEGETATION. 



ff^HE lower we defcend on the fcale of life the greater is our em- 

 JL barraflfiiient, arifing from numbers and varieties of fpecies. If we 

 found it iieceflfary to content ourfelves with general ideas, and a mere 

 feledion of fifh and of infefts, ftiU greater difficulties prevent our intimate 

 knowirdge of vegetables i whole innumerable kinds, though long the 

 ftudy ci naturalifts, are daily proving that many remain hitherto un- 

 known an ^ unnoticed Nor is this furprifing, when we recoiled the dif- 

 ferent firuations, ioils, and expofurcs which they prefer; the different le- 

 vels at which they grow, on plains or on mountains, on hills or on alps. 

 Abundant throughout the globe, and every fpot producing fome pecu- 

 liar to itfelf, unlefs the whole globe were explored fpot by fpot (a hope- 

 lefs fuggeftionlj how could all be known? Adapted to extremes of heat 

 ^and cold, of humidity and drynefs, adapted to every climate, to every 

 region, their (lores are inexhauflible : and however human induftry may 

 have penetrated with afTiduous toil, not only among inhabited countries, 

 •but inhofpitable wilds, yet, after all endeavours, many kinds will elude re- 

 iearch, though perhaps native .at no great diftance, or perhaps their 

 feafon lately paft, or foon to come ; if notadually prefent, but hidden in 

 caverns or in clefts of the earth. 



Declining therefore to enter deeply into a fubjed which in other hands 

 has furnifhed many a bulky folio, andwhofe nomenclature alone, when ar- 

 ranged and abridged with the moil perfcvering fliili, forms folid volumes, 

 we fhviU feled thofe leading principles, which being common to all, may 

 be brought to the teft of daily experience : for that learning feems mofl 

 advantageous, whofe ulefulnefs or application is perpetually recur- 

 ring; that which is mod fimplc, which is ever at hand, and ever de- 

 lightful, is worthy our attention, and ilrongly claims our acquaintance. 

 Without depreciating what may pofTefs occaiional ulefulnefs or plenfure, 

 v/hat m.ay delight or profit on emergency, we fhall prefer what may be 

 our conftant companion and our attendant friend. 



If pleafure be requefted by mankind, we have already aflerted, the 

 pureft pleafure is furniflied by tlie tribes of vegetables, and human ta- 

 lents (rem peculiarly adapted to their culture and enjoyment. If profic 

 be requeded, theie are an unfailing (ource of profit; they fudain life, 

 by fufni(hii-g food in various forms and of vaiious qualities; they re- 



' ' (lore 



