p.8

Mere catalogues of the plants growing in
any locality might be supposed to possess but
little value, a supposition which would be
far from the truth. The intelligent
farmer looks at once to the native vegetation
as a sure indication of the value of new
lands. The kinds of timber growing in
a given locality will decide the qualities
of the soil for agricultural purposes.
Such lists are useful in a scientific point
of view, as showing the geographical limits
of species, and which are diffused generally, or confined to
limited districts. Many very useful as
well as highly interesting results are obtained
by comparing different catalogues, and by
a study of the statistic[le]s of the different Floras.

The Farmer will be interested to find
how few of the plants he so assiduously
cultivates are indigenous to the soil. The
Physician will see which of the plants having
medicinal value may be gathered in his
neighborhood; and may thus in cases of sudden
emergency, when no time is allowed to send to
a distant apothecary, be enabled to effect
important cures. The cabinet maker,
the wheelwright, and all other workers in
wood will find what materials are at hand
to answer their purposes. The horticulturalist