, 1888-06-02

which We now see in it's maturity, and as
to what it will become in its old age.
These researches affeTd not only the amp
lest mental training, hut abundant occupa'
ton for the longest life.
2. The study of botany promotes physical
development. The botanical student must
be a walker; and his frequent tramps har-
den his muscles, ana strengthen his frame.
He must strike off across the fields, pene-
trate the woods to their secret depths,
scramble through swamps,s and CLIMB the
hills. The fact that he walks with an
earnest purpose gives a zest to these ram
bles and he comes home proud and happy
from his successful search tor botanical
treasures, with a keen appetite and an
invigorated body and mind. He has en-
loved himself more thoroughly, and gain
ed more substantial benefit, than those
who have devoted the same time to the
bat, the racket, or the bicycle. IN his vaca
tons the young botanist can tougher him.
self by making long and delightful excur-
siOns, living all summer I'D the open ar
and NAV even have opportunities Tor
Joining government exploring parties,
and enjoying the active Out.Of-door life full
of adventure and us 'ful exp 'rle ics.
8. The study Of botany Is Of great pr@ct'cat
Ntility. 1t is an essential preparation LOT
several important pursuits. the phySlcl-
all and pharmacist need to have practlcal
knowledge OF those plants which are USED
as medicines; and, If this knowledge Is
not acquired III early life, the opportunity
never afterwards presents itself. fOr tho
protection of our rapidly dwindling forests
the services Of many skilled toresterS Will
soon DO required: and the forester must
L. .,,,o4;..I l,o,,uist 90 tDnSt also thA
horticultulist whether professional or
amateur. For the most accomplished bota-
nists, who desire to make this their NE
work, there will always be places as
instructors in our many colleges.
3. The study Of botany Is a source OF Lye-
Iona haDDineS8. Whatever may be ones
station or pursuits in life, il is a great
thing to have All intellectual hobby, which
will afford agreeable and elevatin% Occupa'
ton IN all leisure hours. Botany is one
of the best OF hobbies. 1t can De studied
ont of doors from early spring till the
snow falls; and even in winter there Is
plenty 10 be done in the analysis OF dried
specimens and the care OF the htrbarlum.
The bOtlniSt lives in the fresh air ana
sunshine; and when he leaves the world
behind, and seeks, amid the SolltudeS OF
Nature, to penetrate her wnndr1nS mystic
rieN, he feels the quickenln@S "i a hlgher
life. A taste for botany wonderfully en-
chances the pleasures OF travel, ana also
gives happiness and content TO MIN VINO
stay 1T home. 1t is equally efticacious in
preventing the ennui Of wealth and the
anxietieS of poverty. If ones surround,
ingS are pncongeniaI, and life proves full
of cares and disappOintmentS, 1t ~ u great
solacn 10 he able to say with Aurora Leigh,
. - WaG NOT therefore sad,
Ny sonl was singing at a work apart
For these reasons it is obvious that the
study OF botany is peculiarly rich in those
elements which conduce to a vigorous
mind and body and a robust character
1t is therefore pre.eminently a manly study,
and I'm invaluable part Of a young mans
rduoa ton. The student may rest assured
that the time and effort devoted to it are
well spent for the result will be to make
him a wiser, stronger, more useful, and
happier man.
J.. r. A. ADAMS, NJ. D.