PROCEEDINGS OF THE HORTICULTURAL ^ASSOCIATION C65 



in Europe, now in the more advanced state of the science, altog'ctlier prefer 

 tlie natural system. It is not, however, my intention to enlarge on this 

 subject, or to give an opinion. Let me briefly speak of the advantages of 

 the science of botany, first from the important uses that may be made of 

 plants. I have already referred to the medical properties of some plants, 

 I may now add that probably every plant has some such property, which if 

 known might add materially to the liealth and comfort of the human family. 

 Many plants too are noxious to man, consequently a knowledge* of their 

 peculiar properties is highly necessary, in order, that we may know what 

 to choose and what to avoid. 



By the aid of Chemistry their valuable qualities have been extracted 

 and given to us in a form at once useful and pleasant. But for the 

 researches of the botanist the properties and uses of many plants would 

 have remained in concealment from us, and many of those medicines that 

 contribute so largely to soften the woes of sufferin.g humanity would have 

 been unknown. To discover the useful properties of plants is the great 

 object of the intelligent botanist. It is hot merely to enlarge his own 

 acquaintance with nature and her productions; not merely to drink of that 

 stream of pleasure which flows through the whole of nature's domain. No, 

 liis aim and object is higher and nobler! It is to direct the rich provision 

 of nature to the grand end for which the Creator designed it, the promotion 

 of the welfare and happiness of men. 



The history of the botanist will probably furnish as much evidence of 

 the feeling of benevolence as that of any other in the whole range of 

 scientific labors. It is true his pursui|ts are in themselves attractive. The 

 objects that meet his eye are indeed lovely; the scenery through which he 

 passes enchanting; but he is urged onward by the thought that his dis- 

 coveries may tend to lighten the woes of some sufierirvg fellow mortal, and 

 restore the joys that disease had taken away. This motive alone is fitted 

 to sustain him amid the hardships and dangers that meet him under the 

 burning rays of a tropical sun, or amid the cold of the Arctic snows. 

 AVhorever he wanders, he finds that the Author of nature has fitted the 

 plants of every climate to meet the wants of his creatures. Many of them 

 have distinctly stamped upon them the merciful purposes of God in their 

 creation. IIow often has the juice of the poppy, papaver sommferum, 

 when administered in the shape of laudanum, relieved the sufferings of the 

 eons and daughters of men. How often has it changed the bed of suifer- 

 ing into a place of comfortable repose. How often has it disappointed the 

 fears of fond friends, and restored to health the victim of disease. Botany 

 not only reveals the virtues of plants, but also their hurtful qualities. 

 The researches of the botanist inform us that the poisonous plants generally 

 have five stamens and one pistil, with a corolla of a dull, lurid color, and 

 a disagrceabh? smell. 



Tlie umbelliferous plants, which grow in wet places, usually have an aro- 

 matic smell and are not poisonous, as caraway and fennel. 



Plants with labiate corollas, and containing their seeds in capsules, are 

 often poisonous, as the foxglove, digitalis ; also such as contain a milky 

 juice, unless they are C()mpf)uiid flowers. Such plants as have horned or 

 hooded nectaries are most poisonous. 



