l/h. VI.] REST METHOD OF LEARNING BOTANICAL ItRMS. 33 



cculme leaves, (that is, growing out of the stem) entire, or 

 without notches, hirsute, or rough, you would perceive that this 

 description corresponded with your plant. 



110. Now you will remember the words radical and can- 

 line, serrate and entire, glabrous and hirsute,^ learning them 

 as you proceed in your analysis, much better than by committing 

 them to memory with their definitions. 



111. The exercise of looking out words in the vocabulary, 

 and at the same time examining a plant, is useful, by bringing 

 into exercise your judgment and powers of reasoning. 



112. Thus you see, my dear children, how much more agree 

 able and profitable is the study of Botany now than formerly. 

 Authors and teachers are labouring to make it easy and plea- 

 sant for you to learn. Many of the thorns and briars which 

 once hindered the young from gaining access to the garden of 

 knowledge, have been removed by those who love and care for 

 vou. And will you not put forth a little power to make your 

 own way towards this delightful region, where rich fruits of lite- 

 rature and science will be the reward of your efforts ? 



113. The analysis of plants is called Practical Botany. 

 We commence with this, because we think you will feel an in- 

 terest in plants, when you" have become acquainted with their 

 place in the system of Linnaeus, and that you will wish to 

 know the uses of their various organs, the manner in which 

 they receive food, and what it is which makes them living be- 



ings. 



114. These things will now be explained to you, and with 

 attention on your part, you will be enabled to understand many 

 curious and interesting facts. Every kind of plant which you 

 can find, should be carefully examined, and each part noticed. 

 Will not this be better for your minds than idle play? Your 

 parents and teachers will delight to gratify your fondness for 

 botanical walks, and will perhaps sometimes be at leisure to 

 accompany you. 



115. I have said plants are living beings. When deprived 

 of water or air, they droop and die, as you would do without 

 food and drink. 



110. Ho v would you be likely to remember the terms radical, cau- 

 line, &c. '] 



111. What effect does the analysis of plants have upon the mind 7 



112. What encouragements have children to endeavour to gain 

 knowledge 1 ? 



113. Why do we commence with Practical Botany! 



What can you learn by giving your attention to these things! 

 115. Why do plants need water and air! 



