XXXll PREFACE. 



of the science about to be taught ; but in the present 

 instance I must presume that those who look to my 

 book for information, need no persuasion to the pur- 

 suit itself, nor any recommendation of Botany, or of 

 the study of Nature. Neither am I disposed to con- 

 tend here for the superiority of these pursuits over 

 others. A man who looks no further than the nar- 

 row bounds of his own profession or science, is some- 

 times inclined to depreciate those of other people, 

 especially if any worldly advantage be concerned. 

 Some studies seem to contract the mind ; but such 

 is not the character of natural science, which en- 

 larges the understanding by a perpetual display of 

 the power and wisdom of God, and encourages our 

 best hopes by sure testimonies of his goodness. He 

 who feeds the sparrows, and clothes the golden lily 

 of the fields in a splendour beyond that of Solomon 

 himself, invites us, his rational creatures, to confide 

 in his promises of Eternal Life. The simplest blade 

 of grass, and the grain of corn to which " he gives its 

 own body," are suflficient to convince us that our 

 trust cannot be in vain. Let those who hope to in- 

 herit these promises, and those who love science for 

 its own sake, cherish the same benevolent disposi- 

 tions. Envy and rivalship in one case are no less 

 censurable, than bigotry and uncharitableness in the 

 other. The former are as incompatible with the 

 love of Nature, as the latter with the love of God ; 

 and they altogether unfit us for the enjoyment of 

 happiness here or hereafter. 



Norwich, 

 December 2, 1823. 



