12 



But in addition to advantages which are peculiarly our 

 own, we have many in common with Europe. The affinity, 

 in some particulars of our climates, to those of Europe, gives 

 us most of their productions. It is owing, indeed, to this 

 circumstance, and to the easy and continual intercourse be- 

 tween the two continents, that it is sometimes difficult to 

 distinguish those plants, which are indigenous to our soil, 

 from those which are only naturalized, and which grow spon- 

 taneously after their adoption. The fact is worth observa- 

 tion, that some vegetables grow with more luxuriance, and 

 arrive at a greater apparent perfection, when removed to a 

 soil and climate, differing considerably from that in which 

 they were formed in their native state. Thus the potatoe 

 (Solanum tuberosum) in the year 1565, was first introduced 

 from this country into Ireland, and thence, by a fortunate 

 shipwreck, into Lancashire in England, in both of which pla- 

 ces it thrives better than in America.* If the agriculturist 

 would take advantage of such facts, many articles which at 

 present are imported might probably be made staple com- 

 modities. 



Having now pointed your attention to some of the pecul- 

 iar advantages which we possess for botanical enquiries and 

 improvements, and noticed a little, the variety and abundance 

 of our vegetable productions, the remainder of this address 

 will be employed in remarks, more appropriate to this, occa- 

 sion : on a number of plants in our country, which claim par- 

 ticular attention from the agriculturist, the manufacturer, 

 the artist, and the physician. And you will please to re- 

 member that as practical utility, more than recondite sci- 

 ence, is the leading object of our society, I ought not to 

 hesitate to throw out a number of observations, and to in- 

 dulge in some diffuseness, which might otherwise be im- 

 proper. 



As there are are many vegetable productions, which seem 



* Those who wish to investigate this subject will find much infor- 

 mation in the Medical Repository, and in Dr. Muhlenberg's commu- 

 nication to the American Philosophical Society. 



