PREFACE, 



single species of Palm-tree, similar to those insects 

 which feed on one and the same flower, or on one 

 and the same part of a plant 



To attempt to enumerate the uses of vegetable 

 productions were to enter upon an endless theme 

 indeed ; as vain would it be to attempt to describe 

 their beauties ; but there is something beyond 

 mere use, something beyond mere beauty, in their 

 influence upon the human mind; — there is some- 

 thing in flowers and trees which excites our kindest 

 sympathies, which soothes our keenest sorrows. 

 " All intelligent persons have embraced the solace 

 of shady groves," says Evelyn ; and all devout 

 persons have found how^ naturally they dispose our 

 spirits to religious contemplation." 



The animal, or the mineral, can no more compare 

 with the vegetable kingdom in the pleasure it 

 affords to man, than in its importance in supplying 

 him with the necessaries of life. Minerals are, no 

 doubt, of great and important service to mankind ; 

 and animals afford them pleasure, though it is to 

 be feared the greatest is the delight they take in 



* Evelyn's Sylva, vol. v. p. 729. 



