c m ) 
fpiked fructification a better fpecimen cannot 
be examined than the equifetum fylvaticum, 
at the time when it is beginning to difperfe 
it's feeds ; in the progrefs of which there may 
be obferved appearances which feem to have 
a right to be confidered as ftamens and piftils. 
In the inveftigation of this plant recourfe 
rauft be had to glaffes ; but it will be found 
more agreeable to view the parts through a 
microfcope when fome idea is obtained of 
their ftruclure from engravings; and I re- 
commend to the ftudent, when obliged to have 
recourfe to plates, to remember that he there 
relies on the authority of others ; whereas in 
botany, as in all other things, fmall progrefs 
can be made if he does not take the trouble 
of feeing for himfelf. It is the obfervance of 
the rule, " See for yourfelf," that has ren- 
dered the works of Mr. Curtis fo peculiarly 
valuable. Moft of our botanical publications 
are taken one from the other : and thus, if 
an eminent botanift has, in the courfe of his 
refearchcs, fallen into a miftake, the errour has 
been propagated. Mr. Curtis, from his cau- 
tion in this particular, has done more towards 
the improvement of the fcience, than any 
other writer with whom I am acquainted ; 
and 3 
