X PREFACE. 



the continual use of the Linnaean system, 

 as it would be for philologists and logi- 

 cians to slight the convenience, and in- 

 deed necessity, of the alphabet, and to 

 substitute the Chinese character in its 

 stead. If the following pages be found 

 to elucidate and to confirm this compa- 

 rison, I wish the student to keep it ever 

 in view. 



The illustration of the Linnaean system 

 of classification, though essential to my 

 purpose, is however but a small part of 

 my aim. To explain and apply to prac- 

 tice those beautiful principles of method, 

 arrangement and discrimination, which 

 render botany not merely an amusement, 

 a motive for taking air and exercise, or an 

 assistance to many other arts and sciences; 

 but a school for the mental powers, an 

 alluring incitement for the young mind to 

 try its growing strength, and a confirma- 

 tion of- the most enlightened understand- 



