Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [7]

Subjects:

Botany, Natural History, Natural Theology, Wonder, Education

People mentioned:

Erasmus Darwin , Carl Linnaeus

    Mr Townley describes the characteristics of, and provides anecdotes about, the scarlet pimpernel. Asserts that the 'informed student of Natural History' thinks 'nothing less than infinite wisdom' could have produced the arrangements of wild-flowers (187). Describes the Latin name, physical characteristics, and behaviour of several other wild flowers, including the early purple orchid and foxglove. Some descriptions are extended with anecdotes about the flower concerned. Townley hopes his pupils are induced to study botany and to 'bless God for his goodness' (190).