On the Sttidy of Nature. 37 



system to de\aate from the principles by and in wliich lie was 

 educated, nor is it reasonable to believe tbat lie will omit to exer- 

 cise tbe same metliod of observation and pursue tlie same process 

 of reasoning in all circumstances requiring tbe play of these pow- 

 ers and qualities. It can, therefore, be readily understood how 

 the youthful votary of Science, who has somewhat matured the 

 powers of his mind, is well qualified to enter upon the public 

 duties of life, to bear its strifes and battle its storms, and steadily 

 and successfully gain that position which is beyond the reach of 

 his less favored companions and Competitors. 



The observations just made, though applicable to the Natural His- 

 tory Sciences generally, are intended to have special reference to the 

 study of botany. AVithout miscalculating the difiiculties encoun- 

 tered, as well as the advantages gained in the study of other de- 

 partments, we believe we can say of Botany, that in no science 

 are the qualifications above enumerated more requisite for enteriflig 

 upon its study, or the same methods of thought and reasoning 

 more fully exercised, or the same habits of diligence and applica- 

 tion more securely acquired. To be a thorough botanist — 0116 

 not merely versed in the nomenclature of plants, but intimately 

 acquainted with their structure and functions, and with their na- 

 tural classification and alliances — demands the most intense appli- 

 cation and unwearied labour, even in the highest order of minds. 

 The vegetable kingdom includes within itself such a vast multitude 

 of objects and such a wide range of phenomena, that it is diflScult, 

 nay almost impossible, for the most ardent and persevering to 

 attain a perfect knowledge of so extended a subject ; and even 

 though the facilities for becoming acquainted with the botany of 

 foreign climes are many and various, it is only within the reach 

 of the fcAv favored, who dwell in the great centres of literature 

 and science, and who devote both their time and their money in 

 botanical study and research. Let it be clearly understood, how- 

 ever, that Science never demands of any one more than his time 

 can afford or his cajyabilities master. What indeed vvould be the 

 sensations created in the mind of the most profound of Botanists, 

 were circumstances to require his possessing an intimate knowledge 

 of the myriads of plants known to flourish on our globe, whose 

 record numbers at the present day more than 1 00,000 species ? No ! 

 Nature is never exorbitant in her demands. She speaks, and her 

 voice proclaims her many beauties and charms, administers plea- 

 sures and happiness, and teaches lessons as various and beautiful 



