27 



discoveries pleasing, all of them tending to compose 

 and soften the troubles of humanity, to make friend- 

 ships, to chase away enmities. To lead by calm reflec- 

 tion to that happy temper of mind which makes adver- 

 sity not fearful, and which, when fortune favors, adds 

 much to the pleasures w*e enjoy. 



"From Walter principally the following pages are 

 compiled; from Barton also, and Michaux, much orig- 

 inal matter is introduced. In some places I have in- 

 serted the names of plants on the authority of Michaux 

 instead of Walter, as believing the information of the 

 former and his connection with learned botanists to be 

 greater than the latter. But in general have followed 

 Walter. 



"In addition to what they have published I have noted 

 the times of efflorescence of many plants, and in what 

 parts of the State they are to be found; and the better 

 to assist such researches a map of this State has been 

 affixed ; dividing its territory into lower, middle and 

 upper country, as nature in her productions seems 

 peculiarly to require this division. In many cases also 

 I have referred to books, where correct engravings of 

 the plants may be seen, which gives the reader an op- 

 portunity of referring to representations of plants 

 otherwise not being within his control. Agreeably to 

 Dr. Barton's method, a character is givento each class, 

 and mention made of plants as medicinal or ornamen- 

 tal. The uses of wood and plants are also noticed, as 

 relating to husbandry, mechanics, agriculture, ship- 

 building or house building. These and other useful in- 

 formations, I trust, will be found in the following pages. 

 They have been presented to your respectable board, 

 cherished by no vain hopes, but as springing from a 

 desire of promoting the public good. Which, if this 

 humble attempt shall be deemed by you, in the smallest 

 degree, to have been done, the object of my efforts has 

 been happily attained. 



"The Author. 



"Charleston, October 29, 1807." 



