32 GENERAL REMARKS. 



parlours of those ladies, who have advantages for intellectual im- 

 provement, should more frequently exhibit specimens of their own 

 scientific taste. The fashionable et ceteras of scrap books, engra- 

 vings, and albums, do not reflect upon their possessors any great 

 degree of credit. To paste pictures, or pieces of prose or poetry, 

 into a book ; or to collect in an album the wit and good sense of 

 others, are not proofs of one's own acquirements ; and the possession 

 of elegant and curious engravings, indicates a full purse, rather than 

 a well stored mind ; but herbariums and books of impressions cf 

 plants* drawings, &c. show the taste and knowledge of those who 

 execute them. 



It is unfortunately too much the case, that female ingenuity, (espe- 

 cially in the case of young ladies after leaving school.) is in a great 

 degree directed to trivial objects, which have no reference either to 

 utihty, or to moral and intellectual improvement. But a taste for 

 scientific pursuits once acquired, a lady will feel that she has no time 

 for engagements, which neither tend to the good of others, nor to 

 make herself wiser or better. 



* Manner of taking impressions o/lemJes.—Ho]d oiled paper over the smoke of a 

 lamp until it becomes darkened ; to this paper, apply the leaf, having previously 

 warmed it between the hands, that it may be pliant. Place the lower surface of the 

 leaf upon the blackened paper, that the numerous veins which run through its extent, 

 and which are so prominent on this side, may receive from the paper a portion of the 

 smoke. Press the leaf upon the paper, by placing upon it some thin paper, and nib- 

 bing the fingers gently over it, so that every part of the leaf may come in contact with 

 the sooted oil-paper. Then remove the leaf, and place the sooted side upon clean 

 white paper, pressing it gently as before; upon removing the leaf, the paper will pre- 

 sent a delicate and perfect outline, together with an accurate exhibition of the veins 

 which extend in every direction through it, more correct and beautiful than the finest 

 drawing. 



Female ingenuity too often directed to trivial objects. 



