336 Lecture on Botany. 



rent. Under sucli circumstances, it is becoming in the hearer to 

 overlook the infirmity and extend the indulgence required. It is 

 not for me to demand of you more than necessity requires. That 

 necessity, however, is great, and will compel me throughout the 

 course to draw largely upon your indulgence and patient attention, 

 which I now crave at your hands. 



Relying then upon your generous forbearance, it will be my en- 

 deavour to fulfil, to the best of my ability, the purposes for which 

 these lectures are intended, namely, to bring prominently before 

 you the beauties and perfection of nature, as exhibited in that 

 portion of Grod's creation — the vegetable kingdom — to sketch out 

 to you the philosophy of the plant in its structural and physio- 

 logical aspects, to systematise the varied productions of the earth's 

 surface upon principles derived from an actual study of nature's 

 laws and manifestations, and to adapt the knowledge which bo- 

 tanical science imparts to the true interests of man. In pursuance 

 of these objects, it will be my duty to enter into the minute de- 

 tails of plants, in reference to their structures, functions, chemical 

 composition and natural relations, and show you the value of such 

 scientific knowledge in its application t3 medicine, horticulture and 

 agriculture. 



In a youthful and growing country like this, there is usually a 

 tendency to undervalue a science which apparently cannot pro- 

 mise results of a practical and useful character. The advantages 

 to be derived from a cultivation of scientific knowledge are scarcely 

 recognised in comparison to the supposed greater benefits of an early 

 acquaintance with^the grand material object of man's temporal exis- 

 tence. We are all aware that it has been through no ordinary difla- 

 culties that we have attained the position we now hold; first, asacom- 

 munity desirous of supporting literary and scientific institutions, and 

 secondly, as a University, whose great aim is the thorough education 

 of the student in matters which will best serve his interests, as an 

 accomplished and useful member of Society. If such have been 

 the diflaculties of the past, how much greater now should be the 

 vigour — how much stronger the animus — prompting us to, main- 

 tain the value and importance of the University in which we 

 labour, as students and professors, to study with spirit and assiduity 

 while within its sacred walls, in order to attain that knowledge 

 which will refine the mind, enrich the intelligence, and entitle us 

 to honor and preferment. 



