PREFACE. 
so deep and lasting impressions in the mind, as 
the works themselves ; and no part of Natural 
History is more inviting than the science of 
Botany , as the objects of it continually surround 
us, and present themselves before our eyes in 
the most beautiful attire; many of them indeed 
leave us in Autumn, and go into Winter quar¬ 
ters, but, like the parting of friends, the pleasure 
is enhanced by our meeting again in the ensu¬ 
ing Spring: neither is any part of Natural 
History more useful for the most important 
purposes of life, as food, drink, raiment, &c. 
but what is still more valuable, health ; for it 
supplies us with a very essential part of the 
Materia Medica. 
It is curious to observe the several ways Na¬ 
ture hath chosen for the protection of those 
plants she hath designed for particular purpo¬ 
ses ; some she hath armed with thorns, prickles, 
or stings, as a defence against the larger ani¬ 
mals ; others emit a viscous matter to annoy 
the voracious insect; others are guarded with 
bitter, acrid, or narcotic juices ; she hath also 
given to plants and flowers agreeable and dis¬ 
agreeable odours, which are owing to the Oxha- 
