AUSTRALIAN FEENS. 85 



have fallen. A man so intensely occupied in scientific pursuits 

 as the doctor is, and who from fondness for elucidating the 

 mysteries of the vegetable kingdom, scarcely allows himself an oc- 

 casional hour for relaxation, should recollect that there is a limit 

 for human exertions, and that no constitution how strong soever 

 it may be, can long endure almost incessant demands made upon 

 it. This fact appears to have been well understood by an eminent 

 octogenarian recently removed from an exalted sphere of useful- 

 ness, and it would be well if Dr. F. Mueller, resting for a while 

 on the world- wide reputation he has acquired, would take the ad- 

 vice of the poet and mingle a little innocent recreation with his 

 graver studies. 



Misce stultitiam consilis brevern. 



Dulce est desipere in loco. 



By so doing, he might by the blessing of Providence prolong an 

 existence not only invaluable to these colonies, but also exten- 

 sively useful to the human race by the important discoveries he 

 is continually making. Whilst engaged in those studies which 

 tend to promote the glory of Grod, and the moral and practical 

 benefit of mankind, Dr. E. Mueller's labours cannot be too highly 

 appreciated. The beautiful and delicate structures which by the 

 aid of the microscope he is gradually revealing to us, and the pe- 

 culiar adaptation of their organs to the circumstances in which 

 they are placed, exhibit innumerable illustrations of the wisdom 

 and goodness of the Creator. Nor should it be forgotten that the 

 silent progress of that science in which he is occupied, is intim- 

 ately connected with the advancement of the useful arts, for as the 

 properties of plants become known and their practical applications 

 ascertained, it will be found that the discoveries of the scientific 

 inquirer excercise a direct and powerful influence on the comfort 

 and material prosperity of mankind. 



* The ferns now supposed to be identical with the European ones are : 

 1. Gymnogramme rutcefolia, 2. G. leptophylla, 3. Hymenophyllwn Tunbrid- 

 gesne and _ET. Tl ilsoni, 4. Pteris aquilina, 5. Awleniiim Trichomanes, 6. A. 

 marinum, 7. Aspidium aculeatum, 8. Adiantum uJwiiopicuin ? 9. Pteris arguta, 

 10. Ophioglossumvulgatum, 11. Botrychiiim lunaria. 



