Among the manifold creatures of God that have in all ages diversely
entertained many excellent wits, and drawne them to the contemplation of
the Divine Wisdome, none have provoked men’s studies more, or satisfied
their desires so much, as plants have done, and that upon just and
worthy causes; for what greater delight is there than to behold the
earth appareled with plants as with a robe of embroidered worke, set
with orient pearles, and garnished with great diversity of rare and
costly jewels. But the principal delighte is in the minde, singularly
enriched with the knowledge of these visible things, setting forth to us
the invisible wisdome and admirable workmanship of Almighty God!