4 USES OF BOTANY. 



pose to their own experience, or to the observations 

 of others; and without a knowledge of botany, we 

 could neither understand the descriptions given by 

 other persons, nor describe them ourselves so as 

 to be understood. As an amusement. Botany has 

 many recommendations : it may be studied with 

 less expense than most other sciences ; it invites 

 us into the country, and increases the pleasure of 

 every walk ; and the cultivation of plants in the 

 garden affords one of the most innocent and health- 

 ful occupations that we can enjoy. Indeed, the 

 study of natural history in every department is so 

 attractive, that those who once engage in it seldom 

 give it up. The sameness of most other pursuits 

 becomes at last fatiguing; but the naturalist meets 

 with endless variety, and at every step discovers 

 beautiful contrivances in the works of nature, which 

 escape the attention of common observers. 



EDWARD. 



But when do you think I shall be able to 

 examine a plant, as you do now? It is very 

 difficult. 



MOTHER. 



At first it may appear so to you: but do not be 

 frightened; you will soon find that it is not a 

 great undertaking. Nothing is required but to 

 have patience : to begin at the beginning : after 



