BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION. 
131 
each is constituted ; tlieir essential characters may be easily remembered by 
connecting them with the most peculiar or extraordinary plant which they contain ; 
and the properties of the genera compiling them may likewise be impressed upon 
the mind in a similar manner, by associating them with the species in which they 
are most perceptible. 
Considering the universal, nay instinctive, love of natural order which exists 
among mankind, it is really astonishing that any attempts should be made to check 
the progress of a botanical system, of which that is the most remarkable recom- 
mendation. What would be thought of a valuable narrative, the events of which 
were connected only by the similarity of one or two of their features, without any 
regard to the period of their occurrence, or their relative position towards each 
otlier ? We may reasonably infer that every person of sense w^ould discard and 
contemn it ; while the individual who undertook and accomplished its proper 
arrangement, would be regarded with respect and honour. Analogous to this, was 
the classification of Linnseus. The greater part of the plants composing his 
Orders have no real relation to each other, while the Classes are of course still more 
heterogeneous. How, therefore, the obloquy that has been heaped on those who 
have defended, elucidated, and improved the system of Jussieu, can be reconciled 
with the rational feelings of mankind generally, we are at a loss to divine. It is 
certain that future ages, at least, will appreciate their labours, and we cannot but 
hope that the present will evince a greater disposition to avail themselves of their 
results. 
After the declaration we have already made, that the study of structural 
botany must precede any efforts to compass the Natural system, our object in the 
future attempts we may make to simplify this method, cannot be misapprehended. 
A loose acquaintance with tlie organs of plants, aiFords nothing more than a general 
idea of their functions ; to obtain, therefore, an insight into their more particular 
and individual nature and offices, or to illustrate and confirm the description of 
their ordinary organization propounded in botanical works, the species must be 
examined ; and to effect this easily, some classification is necessary. The Natural 
system can alone impart these requisite facilities ; and in furnishing the means for 
research, it very generally supplies likewise the object of that investigation ; thus 
fulfilling much more useful ends than any other arrangement has the slightest 
pretensions to accomplish. 
To present the non-professional portion of our readers with an opportunity of 
obtaining a knowledge of this system, without encountering unaided its technical 
diificulties, or wading through the tedious formula3 of botanical publications, we 
propose occasionally to insert articles explanatory of its basis, principal divisions, 
and most extensive or interesting orders. In effecting this, we shall illustrate our 
subject by the most characteristic or familiar plants, and endeavour to divest the 
science of those impediments to its study that present themselves in the form of 
scientific details, which, to the uninitiated, are so intricate and inexplicable. 
