THE 
HISTORY 
O F 
BOTANY. 
BOOK I. 
I N T R O D U 
C T I O N. 
Of the Origin of a Knowledge of Plants. 
P LANTS mufl have been known, in fome degree, at all times; 
for they could not efcape man’s obfervation. The Tree which gave 
him fhade, the Fruits he eat, the grafs that fed his cattle, could 
not be ufed un-named: nor is it poffible he fhould negledl the fragrance 
of the Violet ; or overlook the colours of the Rofe and Poppy. The Poet 
could not paint the Spring without them; nor the firfl Shepherds tell their 
fons what Herbs their frnall flocks fed upon with health, or which in- 
fedled them with ficknefs, till there were terms for their diftindion. 
The origin of fciences lies hid behind that cloud which obfeures all 
early Hiftory ; but fo much as here is faid is plain from reafon. We 
cannot doubt but before Orpheus or Mus.®us, Hesiod or Homer fung 
VoL. 1. B their 
