97 



description. In the first place, they have originated in a 

 general want of science in planters, which has naturally led 

 them to a mistaken choice of subjects. And, in the second 

 place, they have sprung from the belief, which most planters 

 seem to entertain, that yoiuig trees and old possess similar 

 properties, and that therefore, they should be removed on 

 similar principles. But there is no doctrine more fallacious 

 than this, and none which it is more important to refute. 

 In a concise inquiry, which is about to be instituted, in order 

 to point out some sound theory or principle of the art, both 

 of these obstructing causes shall be kept in view, and illus- 

 trated in as clear a manner as possible. 



If we take a survey of nature, in all the forms, under 

 which existence is manifested, we shall perceive, with admi- 

 ration, the wisdom of the Creator, in accommodating every 

 animate and inanimate being to the economy of a universal 

 and connected plan. By his incomprehensible power, every 

 organized production is adapted to the place, which it is 

 destined to occupy, in the world of life ; and every organ of 

 every living whole is curiously modified to the circumstances 

 which affect the exercise of its functions, and to the conditions 

 which regulate the development of its energies. E very organi- 

 zed substance is necessarily a living production. Every living 

 production, whether animal or vegetable, tends naturally to 

 perfect existence; and perfect existence is contained in the 

 full development of all the parts or organs through which 

 action is evolved, and consequently, iii which life is realized : 

 for life is manifested by action ; and living vigour must be 

 proportionate to spontaneous energy, in every being endowed 

 with life. 



But while every organic creation tends to full develop- 

 ment, that is, to absolute energy, or the perfection of its 

 species, still we find, that the organs, of which it is composed, 

 are each reciprocally dependent on every other, for the 

 possibility and degree of their peculiar action. At the same 



13 



