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SYSTEMS OF CLASSIFICATION. 
Physiological Botany : lie vvlio practically understands it, will know 
a great deal of the internal structure of plants, from their nidus in 
the seed, to their fully developed stale when in flower and fruit. The 
cause, origin and uses of all parts are investigated, and nothing is 
left to conjecture which can be detected by analysis. 
Thus, Botany becomes essentially a Science ! But shall we aban¬ 
don the Linnaean classification P—I for one, say no! out of gratitude 
alone, to that by which I was,—(unassisted by any teacher,) enabled 
to acquire all that I know of botany; and which has enabled me, 
during thirty years, to discover almost all that I sought to determine. 
I give my voice to retain a piece of mechanism (defective in some 
degree doubtless), but so refined as that is, which can effect discove¬ 
ries so interesting—until we obtain a complete Genera plantarum, 
founded upon the natural system. 
Let me be understood, as things are , I say, let us cultivate the 
natural system, under a guide so accomplished as is Doctor Lindlev, 
—as the foundation of our botanical science; but let us also consult 
the Linnsean arrangement in order to discover the Genera. I said 
prospectively when I first saw announced— “The Ladies’ Botany” 
—that, I hailed the forth-coming work. Now, having perused it, I 
hid it welcome ; and from my heart urge the Ladies particularly, to 
make it their own guide, and the pattern of instruction for their 
daughters. Let it be known, let it he introduced into every library, 
reading-room, and seminary throughout Britain, let it become the 
class-book of botanical study; and if through its price, it be denied 
to many who would gladly possess such a source of instruction ; let 
two, three, or more, club their'contributions, and make a partnership 
of that which it might be inconvenient to possess singly. I trust 
that a cheaper edition may be contrived and executed; but above all, 
I hope that the author will enlarge his plan, and never desist from 
his zealous efforts, till he have elucidated all the natural orders, and, 
ultimately the individual families of the vegetable world. We ren¬ 
der him, however, our cordial thanks for what he has effected, we ve¬ 
nerate his zeal, and estimate his labours. 
» . 
r • • 
“ Bene sit, bene eveniat, bene vertat.” 
Plautus. 
