SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS 



In the preceding chapters the principles and methods of technic 

 have been described in a general way. It is difficult, especially for 

 a beginner, to apply general principles to specific cases, and, besides, 

 the types which he might select for the preparations might not form 

 a symmetrical collection. Consequently, a series of forms has been 

 selected which will not merely serve for practice in microscopical 

 technic, but will also furnish the student with preparations for a 

 fairly satisfactory study of plant structures from the algae up to the 

 angiosperms. It is not at all our purpose to discuss general morphol- 

 ogy, but rather to answer, by means of sketches and specific direc- 

 tions, the multitudinous questions which confront the instructor 

 in the laboratory. For those who have had a thorough training 

 in general morphology the following suggestions will be in some 

 degree superfluous. Those who are beginning the study of minute 

 plant structure are referred to the standard textbooks for descrip- 

 tions of the plants mentioned here. 



The directions for collecting and growing laboratory material 

 constitute an important feature of this part of the book. 



With a few exceptions, the order in which the forms are pre- 

 sented is that given in Engler's Syllabus der Pflanzenfamilien. 



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