32 
GENERAL REMARKS. 
parlours of those ladies, who have advantages for intellectual im- 
provement, should more frequently exhibit specimens of' their own 
scientific taste. The fashionable et ceteras of scrap books, engra- 
vings, and albums, do not reflect upon their possessors any great 
degree of credit. To paste pictures, or pieces of prose or poetry, 
into a book ; or to collect in an album the wit and good sense of 
others, are not proofs of one's own acquirements ; and the possession 
of elegant and curious engravings, indicates a fall purse, rather than 
a well stored mind ; but herbariums and books of impressions cf 
plants* drawings, &c. show the taste and knowledge of those who 
execute them. 
It is unfortunately too much the case, that female ingenuity, (espe- 
cially in the case of young ladies after leaving school,) is in a great 
degree directed to trivial objects, which have no reference either to 
utility, or to moral and intellectual improvement. But a taste for 
scientific pursuits once acquired, a lady will feel that she has no time 
for engagements, which neither tend to the good of others, nor to 
make herself wiser or better. 
* Majiner of taking impressions of leaves. — Hold oiled paper over the smoke of a 
lamp until it becomes darkened; to this paper, apply the leaf, having previously 
warmed it between the hands, that it may be pliant. Place the lower surface of the 
leaf upon the blackened paper, that tbe numerous veins which run through its extent, 
and which are so prominent on this side, may receive from the paper a portion of the 
smoke. Press the leaf upon the paper, by placing upon it some thin paper, and rub- 
bing the fingers gently over it, so that every part of the leaf may come in contact with 
the sooted oil-paper. Then remove the leaf, and place the sooted side upon clean 
white paper, pressing it gently as befofe; upon removing the leaf, the paper will pre-' 
sent a delicate and perfect outhne, together with an accurate exhibition of the veins 
which extend in every direction through it, more correct and beautiful than the finest 
drawing. 
Female ingenuity too often directed to trivial objects. 
