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STRAWBERRYs 
Aw illustrious French writer conceived the 
design of compiling a general history of nature, 
in imitation of the ancients, and of some mo- 
derns. A strawberry plant, which chanced te 
grow by his window, dissuaded him from this 
design. On minutely observing it, he disco- 
vered so much to learn and to admire, that he 
felt convinced that the study of a single plant, 
with its habits, would suffice to employ the 
life of many learned men. He therefore aban- 
doned his design, and the ambitious title he 
had selected, and gave to his work the simple 
title, “ Studies from Nature.’ In this book, 
which is worthy of Pliny or of Plato, we find 
the best history of the strawberry. This humble 
plant delights to grow in our woods, and cover 
their borders with delicious fruit, which are the 
property of any one who chooses to gather them. 
Tt is a charming gift that nature has withdrawn 
from the operation of those laws which render 
property exclusive; and this she is pleased to 
bestow on all her children. 
The flowers of the strawberry form pretty 
bouquets; but what barbarous hands would 
wish to gather them, and so destroy the pro- 


