THE SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF BOTANY 5 
Without some of the microscopic forms of plants, especially 
the bacteria, yeasts and molds which represent agencies of decay 
and fermentation, the earth would be literally covered with the 
remains of the dead bodies of animals and plants accumulated 
through the ages. While a number of these produce disease, 
most are believed to be harmless, and many are of great eco- 
nomic importance to pharmacy, agriculture, and to the dairy, 
alcohol and tanning industries. 
The study of botany unfolds many of Nature’s secrets, enhances 
one’s appreciation of Nature’s beauty, develops one’s powers of 
observation, and forms a sound foundation for the understanding 
of many problems in pharmacy, chemistry, agriculture, indus- 
try, and the biological sciences. . 
