PREFACE.
The present state of botanical knowledge renders it impossible for the Author of this Work to indulge in a hope, that she can add anything to the learning and research which distinguish the science: as a humble follower of those who have added so much to our information on these subjects, she would walk in their delightful paths, and gather some of those objects of beauty which lie scattered around her. To endeavour to place them in an attractive form—to attach to them useful and accurate information—has been her pleasing task; and she will be amply rewarded if she should be the means of affording any encouragement, particularly among her own sex, to a taste for botanical pursuits. One of our greatest philosophers has declared a "Garden to be among the purest of human pleasures"; and if we look for a still higher sanction—we have the divine command to
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow."
There is no pursuit which fills the mind with more noble and exalted sentiments than the study of these works of Nature:—wherever we turn our attention, we shall discover in them ample lessons of instruction and delight; in the structure of every plant, we shall find the most exact symmetry, and the most perfect contrivance—and the more minutely we examine, the more decided traces we discern of that Power
"Who planned, and built, and still upholds a worldSo clothed with beauty."
"Who planned, and built, and still upholds a worldSo clothed with beauty."
"Who planned, and built, and still upholds a worldSo clothed with beauty."
"Who planned, and built, and still upholds a world
So clothed with beauty."
The gratification to be derived from such pursuits, is heightened by considerations like these, and their utility and value are rendered still more evident. To use the language of the late excellent and distinguishedSir James E. Smith, "Is it not desirable to call the soul from the feverish agitation of worldly pursuits, to the contemplation of divine wisdom in the beautiful economy of Nature? Is it not a privilege to walk with God in the garden of creation, and hold converse with his providence? If such elevated feelings do not lead to the study of Nature, it cannot be far pursued without rewarding the student by exciting them."
In the arrangement of this Work, the Author has aimed at some degree of novelty in the design, as well as of utility in the information. To her own sex, to whose particular notice she offers it, she trusts it may prove a useful and correct guide to their tastes, both in their selection for a flower garden, and as objects for their pencil. She has chosen those plants most remarkable for their beauty, and general adaptation to our borders—and, in order to render the Work more complete, she has added to every genus those species most desirable for cultivation.
The Author cannot conclude, without expressing her obligations for the assistance afforded her by her friendMr. Shepherd, Curator of the Botanic Garden, Liverpool; and her thanks are particularly due to his able and intelligent coadjutor,Mr. Henry Shepherd, F.L.S.
Toxteth Park,
March,1829.