Notes on the Sttjdy of Botany. 251 



which the jockey has just given a preliminary canter that he may 

 "feel his legs" preparatory for his true task, the race, which lies before 

 him. The knowledge he has gained is slight I grant you, but he is not 

 quite in the dark. A foundation has been laid upon which it now 

 becomes his duty to raise a creditable superstructure ; a superstructure, 

 the first step towards which should be the commencement of an herbarium 

 which, however, should be subservient to, or a co-partner with, the highest 

 aim in botancial science, the elucidation of the mysteries of plant-life. 

 Laying such stress as I do on the formation of a collection as an aid to 

 further study, let me for a little call your attention to the advantages to 

 be derived from having one, and the best appliances and methods for 

 accomplishing this. 



The use of an herbarium is, in general terms, to have constantly 

 on hand material for study in any class of plants, for, by soaking them 

 in water, dried specimens can be studied almost as easily as fresh. In 

 no other way can we see simultaneously specimens of neighboring 

 species, different states of the same species, and specimens of a species 

 from different localities ; and some ot the brightest theories on the 

 distribution of plants have been worked out by the aid of the " hortus 

 siccus" or herbarium. The nomenclature and classification of objects 

 can be best acquired by the constant handling of them, and the price 

 of a good herbarium is incessant vigilance in warding of the attacks of 

 insect pests. But in this vigilance what a throng of pleasant 

 memories is perpetually being called up ; the time and the locality, the 

 surroundings, and, if you were not alone when gathered, your 

 companions. Each specimen represents so much information, and the 

 very mention of its name will recall to mind associations connected 

 with its study. These results from the possession of an herbarium 

 have been so beautifully set forth by Professor Bailey of Brown 

 University that I cannot refrain from quoting his words on the 

 subject. 



" In looking them over one sees not alone the specimens themselves, but the 

 locality in which they were gathered. Many an incident of his life, the memory of 

 which has long since become dormant will be re-awakened as by an enchanter's 

 wand. He will thread the forest paths gay with flowers; he will pause in imagina. 



