VIU PREFACE. 



elementary on subjects so extensive ; but 

 if it be clear and intelligible as far as it 

 goes, serving to indicate the scope of the 

 science of botany, and how any of its 

 branches may be cultivated further, my 

 purpose is answered. The subject has na- 

 turally led me to a particular criticism 

 of the Linmean system of arrangement, 

 which the public, it seems, has expected 

 from me. Without wasting any words on 

 those speculative and fanciful changes, 

 which the most ignorant may easily make, 

 in an artificial system; and without enter- 

 ing into controversy with the very few 

 competent writers who have proposed any 

 alterations ; I have simply stated the re- 

 sult of my own practical observations, 

 wishing by the light of experience to cor- 

 rect and to confirm what has been found 

 useful, rather than rashly to overthrow 

 what perhaps cannot on the whole be im- 

 provecL 



