EEPOET 



OF 



Botanical Survey of Solera ant Central Louisiana, 



MADE DURING THE YEAR 1870, 

 By A. FEATHERMAN, 



Lecturer on Botany and Projessor Louisiana Slate University. 



Louisiana State University, January 7, 1871. 



Colonel D. F. Boyd, Superintendent Louisiana State University: 



THE MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL INFLUENCE OF BOTANICAL 



STUDIES. 



The botanical survey of the State of Louisiaua is not only impor- 

 tant in a scientific point of view, but it can not fail to be productive 

 of beneficial practical results. Botan} T , as a branch of the natural 

 sciences, produces a more salutary influence to elevate and refine 

 society, and raise the moral standard of civilization, than all the 

 other sciences combined. Flowers are familiar friends and loved 

 companions in every household, where refinement and virtue give 

 tone and character to the social circle. I can do no better than 

 quote, in this connection, the eloquent words of an able English 

 writer, and apply them to the study of botany in particular: " It is 

 fearfully true that nine-tenths of the immorality which pervades the 

 better classes of society, originate from the want of an interesting 

 occupation to fill up the vacant time ; and as the study of botany is 

 as attractive as it is beneficial, it must necessarily exert a moral and 

 oven religious influence upon the young and inquiring mind. 



"The youth, who is fond of scientific pursuits, will not enter into 

 revelry, for frivolous and vicious excitement will have no fascination 

 for him. The overflowing cup, the unmeaning or dishonest game 

 will not excite him. If any one doubts the beneficial inlluence of 



