6 LETTER XXVI. 



those common tribes of plants about which I have, 

 as yet, said nothing ; then you shall learn to which of 

 such tribes all the common plants both of the fields 

 and the gardens belong ; and finally, I will give you 

 a little sketch of the general classification of those 

 which have been previously brought before you only 

 in detail. With this I may combine, when favour- 

 able opportunities occur, short episodes relating to 

 the internal structure of plants, and the manner in 

 which thev grow ; and, thus, I trust that an air of 

 life and truth will be given to all the picture. 



This wdll, I hope, fulfil your expectations, or, at 

 least, relieve me from the reproach of unwillingness 

 to satisfv' vour curiosity so far as my skill will permit 

 me. 



Suppose we begin with Magnolias, those beautiful 

 American trees, which form the pride of European 

 gardens, and the glory of the forests of North Ame- 

 rica, and many parts of Asia. 



Observe that noble looking evergreen, with its 

 large, shining, bright green leaves, in the bosom of 

 which are reposing some cream-white flowers, much 

 larger than any others you ever saw, and with a pile 

 of purple and yellow stamens heaped up in their centre. 

 That is the Big Laurel of the Americans, the large- 

 flowered Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) of Bota- 

 nists, and the handsomest of its tribe. It is found wild 

 in the warmer parts of the United States, especially in 

 South Carolina and the Floridas, and it shrinks fi'om the 

 cold weather of more northern climates. In its native 



