IXTRODUCTOEY. 



5 



that are already cultivated be improved upon, it is equivalent to 

 an increase of our wealth. 



An eminent writer has truly remarked that " Agriculture is the 

 parent of Manufactures, seeing that the productions of nature are 

 the materials of ari." 



In the economy of Providence every fragment of creation seems 

 to unfold, as man progresses in the arts of life, unbounded capa- 

 bih'ties of adaptation to his every want. We have, indeed, daily 

 illustration of the truth of that trite and homely adage, that 

 " nothing is made in vain." 



That quaint old English poet, Herbert, who flourished in the 

 fifteenth century, in a short poem on " Providence," has graphi- 

 cally described, in his unique vein, the sentiment which forces 

 itself upon us in view of the numerous discoveries of the age ir- 

 which we live : — 



" All countries liave enough to serve their need. 

 * * * * 



■ The Indian nut alone 



Is clothing, meat and trencher, drink and can. 

 Boat, cable, sail, and needle, all in one." 



" The addition (it has been well observed) of even a single flower, 

 or an ornamental shrub, to those which we already possess, is not 

 to be regarded as a matter below the care of industry and science. 

 The more we extend our researches into the productions of nature, 

 the more are our minds elevated by contemplating the variety as 

 well as the exceeding beauty and excellence of the works of tlie 

 Creator." 



The mode of arrangement of the various subjects treated of in- 

 volved some consideration ; two or three plans were open for 

 adoption. 1st. To describe the several products in the order of 

 their agricidtural importance or commercial value. 2nd. An 

 alphabetical reference, in the style of a Dictionary or Encyclo- 

 paedia ; and 3rd. Classifying them under subdivisions, according 

 to their particular or chief uses. The last seemed to me the most 

 desirable and efficient mode, although open to some objections, 

 from the variety of uses to which different parts of many plants 

 were applied. Some, as cotton, indigo, sugar, coffee, tea, &c., 

 would readily fall into their proper division, but otliers, as the coco- 

 nut, plantain, &c., from the varietj^ of their products, would 

 come under several heads. I have, however, endeavoured to meet 

 tiiis difficulty by placing each plant or tree under the section to 

 which its most valuable production seemed naturally to refer it. 



There are very many plants and substances wMch have been 

 passed over altogether, it being impossible, within the limits of a 

 moderate sized volume, to bring under notice even a tithe of the 

 valuable grasses, timber trees, cabinet woods, fruits, &c. ; and I 

 have confined myself in a great measure to those which either 

 already are, or might easily be rendered, articles of commerce 

 of some importance. I have shown their present value by 

 quoting the current prices, and brought down, as far as possible, 



