The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, Vol. 1

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The PREFACE.

A decorative square initial 'T' featuring a bird and floral patterns.THE early Inclination I had to search after Plants, and other Productions in Nature, being much suppressed by my residing too remote from London, the Center of all Science, I was deprived of all Opportunities and Examples to excite me to a stronger Pursuit after those Things to which I was naturally bent: yet my Curiosity was such, that not being content with contemplating the Products of our own Country, I soon imbibed a passionate Desire of viewing as well the Animal as Vegetable Productions in their Native Countries; which were Strangers to England. Virginia was the Place (I having Relations Catesby had family members, including his sister Elizabeth and her husband, living in Virginia. there) suited most with my Convenience to go to, where I arriv'd the 23d. of April 1712. I thought then so little of prosecuting a Design of the Nature of this Work, that in the Seven Years I resided in that Country, (I am ashamed to own it) I chiefly gratified my Inclination in observing and admiring the various Productions of those Countries, ---- only sending from thence some dried Specimens of Plants and some of the most Specious In the 18th century, "specious" meant physically beautiful or visually striking, rather than its modern meaning of being deceptively attractive. of them in Tubs of Earth, at the Request of some curious Friends, amongst whom was Mr. Dale of Braintree in Essex, a skilful Apothecary and Botanist: to him, besides Specimens of Plants, I sent some few Observations on the Country, which he communicated to the late William Sherard, L. L. D. one of the most celebrated Botanists of this Age, who favoured me with his Friendship on my Return to England in the Year 1719; and by his Advice, (tho conscious of my

PREFACE.

A decorative square initial 'L' featuring a rabbit or hare amidst foliage.The inclination that I felt from my youth to seek the knowledge of Plants, and of other productions of Nature, was much hindered by my distance from London, the center of all the Sciences: I was deprived by that of the occasions and examples which could have excited me to follow my penchant with more ardor. However, it was such that the study and contemplation of the productions of Nature that England furnished me did not satisfy my curiosity; I conceived a passionate desire to go and see in their own climates the plants and animals which were foreign to my homeland. Virginia was the Country where I could go most conveniently, because of some Relatives that I had there: I arrived there on the 23rd of April 1712. I thought so little at that time of undertaking a Work such as the one I am giving to the Public, that during the seven years that I stayed in that country, I confess to my shame that I occupied myself only with observing and admiring its productions, without any intention other than to satisfy my taste; I only sent dried plants, and some of the most beautiful in pots, to some curious friends who had requested them of me. Mr. Dale of Braintree in the Province of Essex, a clever Apothecary In this era, an apothecary was both a pharmacist and often a skilled naturalist/botanist. and Botanist, was of this number; but besides dried plants I sent him some observations on the country. He communicated them to the late Mr. William Sherard William Sherard (1659–1728) was a prominent botanist who provided significant financial and scientific support to researchers., one of the most famous Botanists of this Century, and who did me the honor of receiving me among the number of his Friends, when I was back in England in 1719. It was by his advice that I resolved to begin this enterprise, very much in accordance with my incli-