and to originate ; and were the bota- 
sections of the Encyclopedia of Geo- 
‘appeared i in our or jaojraegeé: 
The title-page of the Encyclopedia bears 
> date of 1834; but from the time re- 
d to write and print so extensive a 
ork, and other circumstances, it will be 
m 
rior to such date. This is particularly no- 
ticed, because at intervals, s since the autumn 
h Botany ; but founded on more extended 
observations than had been published pre- 
usly ; and it becomes of some interest 
xamine any differences between these 
the earlier and more local observations 
according to physical geography, present 
ve different floras, and a still greater dis- 
ilarity in the general physiognomy of 
their vegetation. Thus, of the species 
Which are found above 4,000 feet up the 
Scottish mountains, only one-fourth exist 
| the plains of England; of those above 
2000 feet, about one-half descend to the 
- Again, not one-third of the spe- 
extend from the South to the North 
of Britain, even on the mainland; 
| the extreme islands, as those of the 
English Channel and Shetland, would have 
& much smaller proportion in common. 
- As the science of vegetable geo- 
phy is yet only commencing, it will be 
These numbers refer to the paragraphs of the En- 
edia particularly alluded to in the comments 
E It Cres ege to follow the order of 
“igs , although unavoidably 
heir and bud cif appearance to remarks 
to selected points only. 
REMARKS ON THE BOTANY OF BRITAIN. 
amusing, and not altogether useless, to 
compare the words by which the few writers. 
on the distribution of British plants preface 
their statements, as indicating what a little 
is yet accomplished, and how wide a field 
is left open to others. Mr. Winch hopes 
that his * notes may ultimately prove use- 
ful to some Naturalist, who shall dedicate 
his time and abilities to this neglected de- 
partment of British Botany.” Mr. Mac- 
gillivray writes, *an attempt to describe 
the vegetation of a particular natural dis- 
trict, may excite persons better qualified 
than I profess to be, to present detached 
pictures of the vegetation of Scotland, from 
which a complete panorama may ultimately 
be constructed.” The writer of the pre- 
sent remarks, in his Outlines, proceeds. 
* under the impression that little will be 
effected until there is some general sketch,” - 
&c. The author, in the Encyclopedia, 
professes to * endeavour to throw together 
such remarks as may, at some future time, 
lay the foundation for a geographical dis- 
tribution of our vegetables upon a more 
extended scale." However different the 
words, there is a close resemblance in the 
tacit admission by each, that his knowledge 
on the subject is neither so complete nor 
so precise as could be wished, and each 
looks to much future improvement through 
the instrumentality of others. I fear th these 
are still substantially correct admissions ; 
but would so far qualify the words of the 
Encyclopædia as to say, that the contribu- 
tions of the different writers, taken toge- 
ther, have laid the foundation alluded to. 
Many are now diligently raising ore 
that will gradually become shapely, ho 
ever rough and rude at present, and iiis 
unite into a symmetrical superstructure. 
But (if a few lines of digression are al- 
lowed me) for w end, some one may ask, 
is this labour to be given? Why should 
we seek to perfect a kind of knowledge 
having no immediate practical utility ?—To 
many there is pleasure in the present pur- 
suit—a pleasure injurious to none ; and the 
facts to be thus brought together will ulti- 
mately lead to general conclusions, likely 
tgjend material Mash. to Poke 
* i 
