otj^tt^- 



A DISCOURSE, &c. 



The late David Douglas — an enthusiastic votary of Flora, and final* 

 ly a martyr in the cause — was so long engaged in exploring and collect- 

 ing the Botanical treasures of our Western wilds, that he became famiU 

 iarly known to the red men of the forest, by the cognomen of the " Man 

 of Grass." 



Although I,have but slender pretensions to the significant title conferred 

 by our aboriginal brethren, on the unfortunate Scottish Botanist, — I have 

 an idea, nevertheless, that those best acquainted with my vegetable predi- 

 lections, will be prepared to expect, on this occasion, a discourse on' 

 some such humble and terrestrial objects, — rather than a Phaeton-like at- 

 tempt to imitate my successful Colleagues, in traversing the ethereal re- 

 gions of Intellect. They will doubtless conclude, that if it was sound ad- 

 vice to the Cobbler, not to venture beyond his Last, — the culler of Sim- 

 ples should in like manner profit by the admonition, and confine himself 

 to his Plants. I have therefore selected a topic, for the evening, in accord- 

 ance with these suggestions. Nor do I consider the change in the enter j 

 tainment — unpalatable though it may be — altogether without its advan- 

 tages. There is a kind of analogy between the mind and stomach, in re-? 

 lation to their sustenance: and, as the Epicure finds it salutary, at times, 

 to substitute Bran bread for his habitual dainties, — so the Mind, which 

 has been feasting on intellectual delicacies, may peradventure be benefitted 

 by an occasional transition to coarser fare. At all events, it may enhance 

 the gratification of a return to its wonted enjoyments. 



I propose to attempt a cursory notice of the character, properties, and 

 importance to man, of a single Tabe, or Family, of the Vegetable crea- 

 tion — known to the Naturalists by the name of Gra:kihe;e, or the True 

 Grasses .- and while I calculate with some confidence, upon a fellow-feeling 

 among the Botanical portion of the audience, — I am not without a hope, 

 that — in a district so distinguished for its agricultural advancement — 

 the subject will also be found to possess a degree of general interest. 



Before entering into particulars, however, it may be useful to make 



