Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [8]

Subjects:

Education, Botany, Natural History, Natural Theology, Design, Wonder

People mentioned:

Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban)

    Introduces five lectures on local natural history given by Mr Townley, a Grovehill clergyman, to young members of his family. Townley aims to inculcate 'a true love of Him who has formed all things' by discovering in nature 'perfect harmony, and adaptability of every creature or object to its station, and fulfilling some fixed purpose' (25). The narrative is one of wonder, constantly upholding the beauty of botanical specimens. Townley discusses the physical features and properties of selected plants and flowers, and their history, local meaning, and harmonious place in nature. He hopes his audience will find in 'vegetable creation abundant proofs of God's omniscient design' (30).