Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ... economy, purity, humility, liberality, perseverance and restfulness, which go a long way towards the production of a virtuous life. We may, I think, commence this branch of our study by observing the ECONOMY OF PLANT LIFE. The term economy is sometimes employed with reference to a system of rules and ceremonies, sometimes in regard to regular operations, as the economy of nature: but its most general use is that which concerns the management of affairs, the expenditure of money or material wealth, the nurturing and preservation of those qualities and materials which are of greatest importance with reference to the well-being of the person in its social or physical relations. One man who is of delicate constitution economises his strength, and to do so refrains from speaking in public, taking part in exciting debates, keeping late hours, spending much time in society. Another man of slender means economises his money by banking all he can spare, buying only such articles as are abso. lutely necessary, and adding to his little stock by further careful labours and judicious speculations. What we thus regard as a virtue and discretion in man we may witness also in the economy of nature, whether the provision be made by the plants themselves, or be regarded as a law which has been imposed upon them, which they are bound to obey. Begin with the root of plants, and, in order that your study may commence when the charms of the floral world are few and you have leisure for your work, take the hyacinth in your glass, or the crocus, tulip, snowdrop, among flowers properly so called, potato, yam, artichoke. onion, carrot among vegetables, and other plants of similar description famous for their bulbs or tubers. If asked why the onion or potato...
