INTRODUCTION. 



HEN we take a furvey of Mankind 

 in general, and of the feveral requi- 

 fites by which life is rendered comfortable 

 and defirable, the produ6lions of the Vege- 

 table Kingdom are amongft the foremoft ; as 

 affording the principal neceffaries, conveni- 

 encies, and luxuries of life. 



It is in this view, that the Science of Botany, 

 or that branch of natural Hiftory which 

 teaches the right knowledge of Vegetables, 

 and their application to the moft beneficial 

 ufes, is an objed: which not only merits the 

 attention and encouragement of every patriotic 

 and liberal mind, but undoubtedly deferves a 

 place amongfl the firft of ufeful purfuits. 

 That it is an obje6l highly deferving the at- 

 tention of Mankind in general, cannot be 

 denied; bvit in a particular manner of the 

 inhabitants of this Commonwealth, the author 

 wiflies to make appear more obvious. 



Thofe who are converfant in trade well know 

 the continual enormous expence we are at in 

 purchafing foreign Teas, Drugs, Dye-flufTs, 

 &c. The diminution of this, ought to be the 

 care and concern of every friend to his Coun- 

 try's welfare. And we prefume it will appear 

 evident, that the moft eligible and obvious 



means 



