72 
But in addition to advantages which are peculiarly our 
own, we have many in common with Europe. The affinity, 
in some particulars of our climates, to those of Europe, gives 
us most of their productions. It is owing, indeed, to this 
circumstance, and to the easy and continual intercourse be¬ 
tween the two continents, that it is sometimes difficult to 
distinguish those plants, which are indigenous to our soil, 
from those which are only naturalized, and which grow spon¬ 
taneously after their adoption. The fact is worth observa¬ 
tion, that some vegetables grow with more luxuriance, and 
arrive at a greater apparent perfection, when removed to a 
soil and climate, differing considerably from that in which 
they were formed in their native state. Thus the potatoe 
(Solanum tuberosum) in the year 1565, was first introduced 
from this country into Ireland, and thence, by a fortunate 
shipwreck, into Lancashire in England, in both of which pla¬ 
ces it thrives better than in America.* If the agriculturist 
would take advantage of such facts, many articles which at 
present are imported might probably be made staple com¬ 
modities. 
Having now pointed your attention to some of the pecul¬ 
iar advantages which we possess for botanical enquiries and 
improvements, and noticed a little, the variety and abundance 
of our vegetable productions, the remainder of this address 
will be employed in remarks, more appropriate to this occa¬ 
sion : on a number of plants in our country, which claim par¬ 
ticular attention from the agriculturist, the manufacturer, 
the artist, and the physician. And you will please to re¬ 
member that as practical utility, more than recondite sci¬ 
ence, is the leading object of our society, I ought not to 
hesitate to throw out a number of observations, and to in¬ 
dulge in some diffuseness, which might otherwise be im¬ 
proper. 
As there are are many vegetable productions, which seem 
* Those who wish to investigate this subject will find much infor¬ 
mation in the Medical Repository, and in Dr. Muhlenberg’s commu- 
3)icatipn to the American Philosophical Society. 
