5* PREFACE. 



for general use in schools or families, the teacher at least 

 will probably be furnished with those works, and will 

 accommodate their contents to the use of the pupils. I 

 am aware of the want of a systematical English descrip- 

 tion of British plants, on the principles of this Introduc- 

 tion ; but that deficiency I hope as soon as possible to 

 supply. In the mean while Dr. Withering's work may 

 serve the desired purpose, attention being paid only to 

 his original descriptions, or to those quoted from Eng- 

 lish writers. His index will atone for the changes I 

 cannot approve in his system. Wherever my book may 

 be found deficient in the explanation of his or any other 

 terms, as I profess to retain only what are necessary, or 

 in some shape useful, the Language of Botany^ by Pro- 

 fessor Martyn, will prove extremely serviceable. 



Having thus explained the use and intention of the 

 present work, perhaps a few remarks on the recommen- 

 dations of the study of Botany, besides vvhat have already 

 been suggested, may not here be misplaced. 



I shall not labour to prove how delightful and instruc- 

 tive it is to 



« Look through Nature up to Nature's God." 



Neither, surely, need I demonstrate, that if any judi- 

 cious or improved use is to be made of the natural bodies 

 around us, it must be expected from those who discrim- 

 inate their kinds and study their properties. Of the 



