24 



So far as the Classes, then, we may thus compare the above, it 

 being remembered that the table of Fries's disposition is from a 

 local Swedish Flora, and therefore very incomplete. But I can 

 extend this paper no further. I am far from satisfied with it in any 

 respect, though it is the result of no little labor. That it may not 

 be wholly without use to others is my earnest hope. 



To botanists the sketches of Fries's method and system, too little 

 known here, may be of interest and value ; and to all who religious- 

 ly admire nature, the general views of the distinguished writers 

 mentioned are commended. Oken's work was written, not so much 

 for scientific students as others, and though his system will not 

 stand, there are great truths developed in it which must endure. 

 We can follow these out and accept them in Fries. But as a Sys- 

 tem, I would no more accept it than I would build a system from 

 the same rudiments, as they are truly and perfectly presented by 

 Milton : 



" So from the root 



Springs lighter the green stalk: from thence the leaves 



More airy : last, the bright consummate flower 



Spirits odorous breathes." 



There is no such thing as science for the million. No man can 

 be too able or too learned to teach, and what is false in itself can 

 be true for no class. Hence, the system that is accepted by the 

 highest suffrages of men of science is the only system for all ; and 

 on the other hand, what they reject as a system is rejected for all, 

 and is of no use to any body, if it is reasonable that the best qualified 

 should decide. So much for the system in itself; as to its truths, 

 they are the property of science, which alone can make them avail- 

 able. Thus botanists have accepted nothing of Oken's philosophy 

 thus far, except what Fries has represented, and as he has repre- 

 sented it. I have reviewed Oken's system, therefore, only to pass 

 through and beyond it. 



The difference between the mere scientific observers of nature 

 and the complete naturalist has already been shadowed out. I will 

 add only here, that we cannot come to the study of nature with 

 minds too well developed, with a philosophy too deep and thorough, 

 or with hearts too true. If the rapt admirer of the wonders and 

 the beauties of life and being might well come to learn of our 

 knowledge the laws and the history of what he loves, let us remem- 

 ber that we have the best right to all the pleasure that he has dis- 

 covered, and that we are not complete if we do not possess it all. 

 Linnseus was as hearty a lover and admirer of nature as if he had 

 been nothing more. 



" So build we up the being that we are ; 



Thus deeply drinking in the Soul of Things 



We shall be wise perforce j 



Whate'er we see, 



Whate'er we feel, by agency direct 

 Or indirect, shall tend to feed and nurse 

 Our faculties, shall fix in calmer seals 

 Of moral strength, and raise to loftier heights 

 Of love divine, our intellectual Soul." 



1 Excursion. 



