INTRODUCTION. 9 



earth in greater or lesser groups ; whether this distribution 

 is the result of accident, or is regulated by laws, and if so, 

 what laws ? Well, let us follow Humboldt's footsteps and 

 committing ourselves to the care of such a guide, let us 

 enter a new, widely-expanded region, first discovered by 

 him Geographical Botany (x).* A science of a peculiar 

 nature, still young and burdened with all the faults of 

 youth, overflowing with the fulness of life, certain of a fair 

 and powerful manhood, but still disorderly and obscure, 

 gathering much, at present unintelligible, for use in riper 

 years, and as yet dreaming much more than thinking. 

 A brief outline of its attractive phenomena cannot but 

 prove interesting. This youth leads forward a sister, still 

 younger, yet indeed in the tenderest age of childhood, but 

 a hopeful bud nevertheless. Let us turn with friendly ear 

 to her childish prattle, the chords full of promise of a 

 future harmonious beauty ; if she do not teach us very 

 much, she will help us pleasantly to while away a brief 

 hour. Why should we not then afford a little place to her, 

 the History of Plants? (xi). 



And ought we here, above all places, to shun children ? 

 Are not children, flowers flowers, children ? An uncon- 

 scious unfolding, a peaceful, sweet but dream-like existence. 

 How close is that comparison which poets have so oft 

 expressed : 



" Sweet flowers gaze on us 

 With gentle child- like eyes." 



It is referable to the similar tone which is set vibrating 

 in our souls by the contemplation of children and of 

 flowers. But every one will readily admit, that this resem- 



* "Kosmos; a General Survey of the Physical Phenomena of 

 the Universe." Bailliere. 



