INTRODUCTION. 
part of thofe of the other. Thus the Aggregate Clafs, properly and 
perfectly formed, having part of the Tubulate character, and part of 
the Umbelliferous, ferves as a link or connecting joint between them : 
being thus difpofed, it deltroys two other Clafles, which before were 
perfectly diltinCt by uniting them, and itfelf, the intermediate Clafs 
with them, into one greater arrangement: this will be again united 
with preceding and fucceeding Clafles by like means ; till the whole Ve- 
getable world is feen as one great and perfectly regular aflemblage of 
Individuals, gradually riling one above the other. 
When 'the character of the Aggregate Clafs, is explained and af- 
certained as diftinCtly as that of the Umbrella’d, we fhall not only 
perfectly underftand the one, but, by the fame means, as diftinCtly 
know the other; and having before, with equal care, known the 
true characters of Alfembled Florets, we lhall fee the progrefs of Na- 
ture from thofe Alfemblages of imperfect Florets, through the fimply- 
cluftered perfect, Aggregate, Flowers, to the more feparated Umbel- 
liferous : and thus know thoroughly, that molt complex part of Ve- 
getable Nature. 
An Aggregate Plant has many Flofcules collected into a head, fur- 
rounded by a Common Cup ; in thefe two particulars, it agrees with 
not only the Tubulate Flowers, but with the Radiate, Ligulate, and 
Alfociate, that is with all the four firlt clalfes ; but it has Flowers, not 
Florets , to conftitute this head ; and each Flower has its feparate and 
dijlintt Cup ; and in thefe two particulars, of equal weight with the 
former, it agrees with the Umbelliferous Plants. 
Here then are two articles of agreement with one of thefe Clafles, 
and two with the other. The Aggregate is therefore perfectly feparate 
from both; and is placed at an exaCt diftance between them. It mull 
be allowed then that connecting Link, which was wanting to unite the 
four firlt Clalfes in our method, with the fixth ; lofing in that greater 
view, its own diftinCtive character, while, by uniting, it deltroys alfo 
theirs ; and thus far opening a way into a true natural method. 
4 
It 
