Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [4]

Subjects:

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

    The introduction recounts that Mr Townley and his pupils visited Beech Grove, where the pupils gathered bouquets of botanical specimens. The same evening, Townley lectured on the specimens. In his lecture, Townley notes the abundance of foliage in the present month and explains how heat and light benefit plant growth. Notes that plants, unlike animals, do not have stomachs, powers of locomotion, or a full range of senses. (154–55) Admires and gives botanical descriptions of various plants, including the wild strawberry, forget-me-not, and rose-hip. Notes the etymology and medicinal uses of the dandelion, and insists that its downy globe is 'great proof of God's wisdom' (156). Compares and contrasts other botanical specimens.