THE TENDENCIES OF SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 
263 
these tendencies, but they do in some sort seem to be related 
to the temper of the times in other matters. There is a 
lacking of respect, almost a defiance of authority, an impatience 
of restraint,- a desire for change, a restlessness and dissatisfaction 
at old barriers and landmarks, an assertion of individual right 
to think and act independently of every one and every thing 
else — all the tendencies which manifest themselves in times of 
political activity — and which expend themselves in various 
directions when the political activity subsides. It can hardly 
be expected that science alone should escape the influence of 
events that stir nations to their last man ; and though the rela- 
tion of cause to effect may be difficult to trace, there may at 
least be good ground for speculation. 
For the future, we would still hope that some seasonable 
check will intervene to prevent the consummation of the designs 
of those who would completely overthrow all the labours of those 
who have toiled in this branch of science. We have faith in the 
few who have not bent the knee to Baal making their protests 
heard, and that time and reflection will also aid in convincing 
those who are now foremost in destruction that their work is 
not progressive but retrogressive, and that it is better to build 
than to destroy. 
