Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

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

People mentioned:

John Lindley , Sharon Turner

    The introduction dwells on the natural beauties of Green Park and recounts that Mr Townley gave a lecture to his pupils at the ruins of Melton. In the lecture, Townley stresses that falling and decaying leaves show the 'just and natural method' by which the benevolent God renovates nature, and that 'beauty is evolved from ruin' (282). The narrator describes the plants and animals observed among the ruins. Townley lectures on the flowers gathered by his pupils. He wants to show that each season brings its own beauty and proofs of God's design (283). Townley describes and relates historical information about various plants and flowers including the violet and St John's Wort (284). Discusses the opium drawn from, and the enchanting light emitted by, poppies. Concludes by hoping that his observations have revealed 'fresh charms and proofs of the Divine wisdom running through all creation' and have encouraged 'love and gratitude to Him' (285).