Genre:

Short Fiction

Subjects:

Endeavour, Observation, Botany, Collecting, Piety

    The narrator likes to see young people 'like the Bee, not only busy and economical of time, but gathering up honey and fragrance for others'. Observes that 'a child with habits of observation in early life, may become a philosopher when a man'. Does not 'wish to make philosophers of our readers', but wishes to 'make them pious and intelligent young persons'. For this reason gives an account of a young lady who, as a twelve-year old girl, made the grand tour, and brought back 'a little Herbal, or Hortus Siccus of her own formation', produced by dint of careful observation and 'persevering industry'. (91) Describes its contents, which are arranged according to her itinerary. Relates that its author 'does not understand a single term' of botany 'and perhaps never opened a book upon the subject; though she might have been a companion in the walks at home of friends who did understand it'. The work is the product of observation and industry. Reflects that the Christian ought similarly to collect instances of divine providence, and 'walking up and down the paradise of the Scriptures, gather the blossoms and clusters of the promises—the fruits of knowledge', storing them up in a book to help others or him or herself in times of trouble.