LAYERS OF CARNATIONS. 143 



name of the family or genus of each, what is 

 termed the specific name, to shew which particu- 

 lar kind belonging to the genus is intended. 

 Thus, on half a page, he can tell with certainty, 

 all the plants he wishes to describe; and 

 although you do not yourself know them, yet, by 

 referring to some botanical work, you are made 

 acquainted with their history, habits, &,c. ; but 

 if these means had not existed, what difficulties 

 would there not have been in describing each 

 particular plant ! Indeed, nothing short gf an 

 actual picture would be sufficient. 



I shall be glad to learn that you are not con- 

 tent with growing plants only, but determine to 

 know them scientifically, and also their uses 

 and properties. The first book on botany you 

 look into will shew you how imperfect is my 

 description of the science. 



I have made a long digression, but, I trust. 



