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CHAPTER VIII. 



THE CULTIVATION AND ACCLIMATION OF PLANTS. 



I DO not intend to enter, in this place, upon a 

 lengthened introduction to the study of botany ; 

 I prefer rather to point out a few of its funda- 

 mental truths ; and, by endeavouring to call the 

 attention to the sweets this pursuit scatters so 

 abundantly upon those who follow it, to induce 

 the reader to learn from other writers the prin- 

 ciples upon which this interesting study is found- 

 ed. It has been asserted, that botany consumes 

 time without affording a sufficient recompense. 

 That such, however, is not the case, is evident 

 from its intimate connection with the sciences 

 of dietetics, pharmacy, &c. ; and surely whatever 

 adds to our knowledge, or to our pleasures ; what- 

 ever has a tendency to call forth our better sen- 

 timents, or to elevate our minds to the contem- 

 plation of the Deity, through the medium of His 

 works, is deserving the attention arid the study 

 of mankind. No pursuit is more congenial to 

 the human mind than the study of nature ; and 

 no one can pursue this most engaging of all her 



