On the Expediency of a System of Horticulture. 291 



that is to be regretted, but this very defect implies, at the 

 same time, the probability, that the qualities of those obje c ts, 

 with whose names we are not accurately acquainted, may 

 be equally unknown to us. The knowledge of names is 

 justly considered as the first step in science, without which 

 we cannot make any successful advances. For it is by 

 means of proper denominations, that the individual objects 

 are discriminated, that we are enabled to consider them 

 without confusion, and assign to them with exactness, 

 their qualities and attributes. Hence nomenclature is so 

 important in science ; and to establish it on correct and 

 well defined principles, is not only meritorious, on the part 

 of those who wish to promote any science, but an essential 

 and indispensable duty. The names must be founded upon 

 a judicious distinction of the characters, observed in the 

 objects ; and this very act of discrimination is a scientific 

 process. When we once have gained a suitable nomen- 

 clature, we are able to survey the whole field of the science, 

 and acquire a command over the objects, comprehended 

 under it. We have them distinctly before us, and can 

 safely and unerringly pursue our investigations. But this 

 is not to be done, when the nomenclature is left in an 

 unsettled and ambiguous, and even a neglected state. When, 

 on the contrary, it is duly adjusted and fixed, it affords 

 another valuable advantage; by means of it, a scientific 

 arrangement of the various objects, with which we are con- 

 cerned, may be made. Such a system consists of divisions, 

 and subdivisions, and is formed by certain characteristics 

 in the objects. These characteristics are the marks, accord- 

 ing to which every object finds its appropriate place, in the 



