The vegetable SYSTEM. 
Little need be added as to the value of this propofed arrange- 
ment. Science rejedts it ; for the foundation is erroneous. The 
differences of Leaves, far from being the proper marks of claflical 
divifions, cannot give even the charadters of Genera. Nature has 
efcabliflied Laws we cannot break ; and has affixed marks which we 
may trace, but cannot pervert. On whatever parts of Plants the 
diftindtions of Clafs, Order, and Genus are eftabliffied, the ufe of 
Leaves can be only in fpccifick charadfers. 
The v/ork is however ingenious, and the author deferves great 
praife for his precifion and accuracy. A great deal is to be learned 
from him j though he fails in the purpofe of a method. 
fliMSELF is fenfible of the great uncertainty of his charadters j and 
has very juflly and judicioully, for that reafon, often repeated the 
fame Plant in various Claffies ; becaufe its Leaves grow fometimes in 
one of his arrangements, fometimes in another: he has in danced the 
yellow Willow-herb, which comes very naturally in his fifth Clafs ; 
but, as the Leaves fometimes are more numerous at the joints, un- 
naturally blends itfelf alfo with his fixth. 
Thus we have examined the different Syftems hitherto invented ; 
we have feen their good and bad : and all that is further necelTary to 
befaid on this fubjedt maybe comprehended in a few words. 
Ray, Royen, and Haller are the only Authors that have, in 
fpite of their method, attempted to follow Nature : all others have 
pitched upon fome particular part of the Frudtification, as the Fruit, 
the number, regularity or irregularity of the Petals; fhape of the 
Flower; or fhape and number of the Cup-leaves ; or number of the 
Chives and Pointals. From one or other of thefe they have taken 
the charadters of their Claffes : that done, the whole vegetable race 
are didributed under fome of thole great divifions ; though commonlv 
numbers are put together that agree in no one thing, but the arbitrarv 
charadter of the Clafs. 
Is it therefore any wonder that thefe methods are as repugnant to 
Nature as to one another ? Can we be furprized at the cruel wars every 
new Sydem produced amongd Botanids ? Each Sydematic looked 
upon his own method as the Rule of Nature ; and confequently at- 
tacked all didributions that did not coincide with his. But in truth 
every Author went on feparate principles ; the majority agreeing only 
VoL. 11 . S io 
