INTRODUCTION. 
W HEN we take a furvey of Mankind 
in general, and of the feveral requi- 
fites by which life is rendered comfortable 
and defirable, the productions of the Vege- 
table Kingdom are amongft the foremoft ; as 
affording the principal neceffaries, conveni- 
encies, and luxuries of life. 
It is in this view, that the Science of Botany, 
or that branch of natural Hiftory which 
teaches the right knowledge of Vegetables, 
and their application to the moft beneficial 
ufes, is an objedt which not only merits the 
attention and encouragement of every patriotic 
and liberal mind, but undoubtedly deferves a 
place amongft the firft of ufeful purfuits. 
That it is an ohjecft highly deferving the at- 
tention of Mankind in general, cannot be 
denied ; but in a particular manner of the 
inhabitants of this Commonwealth, the author 
wifhes to make appear more obvious. 
Thofe who are converfant in trade well know 
the continual enormous expence we are at in 
purchaiing foreign Teas, Drugs, Dye- fluffs, 
&c. The diminution of this, ought to be the 
care and concern of every friend to his Coun- 
try’s welfare. And we prefume it will appear 
evident, that the moft eligible and obvious 
means 
