INTRODUCTION 



Botany is a very diverse subject if one includes all of the branches which have 

 sprung from it. Algology (studv of algae), Mycology (study of fungi), Plant 

 Pathology (diseases of plants),' Bryology (mosses), Pteridology (ferns), Anat- 

 omv (structure), Histology (tissues), Technique, Physiology (function), Cytol- 

 ogv (cells). Genetics (study of heredity). Economic Plants, Poisonous Plants, 

 Taxonomy (classification), Phytogcography (distribution of plants). Seed Test- 

 ing, and Weed Control are usually considered as strictly botanical subjects. In 

 addition to these, there are many botanical subjects which are taught in separate 

 departments, largely because they have become so specialized. Included in this 

 categon' are Bacteriology (soil, dairy, general, medical, physiological, taxo- 

 nomic)'. Virology (viruses). Farm Crops, Plant Breeding, Forestry, Wood Tech- 

 nology, General Horticulture, Pomology (fruits), Floriculture (flowers). Oleri- 

 culture (vegetables), and possibly others. 



Many thousands of trained people are teaching botanical subjects throughout 

 the world and hundreds of thousands of students are being taught. The study 

 of plants serves many purposes. Many take courses in botany because they enjoy 

 the beauty of the plant world, while others realize the paramount importance of 

 plants in the past, present, and future and wish to have some knowledge of this 

 phase of learning. Others regard botany as a stepping stone to some career in 

 the same or a related subject. 



From the aesthetic viewpoint, the higher plants have an advantage over the 

 animals in that they are not only more colorful but they are sedentar)'. One can 

 usually be sure of continuous enjoyment since the same plant or its progeny 

 will be in about the same place in woods or garden, year after year. There is 

 something about a beautiful fern or flower that strikes a responsive "chord" in 

 the human brain. Artists and poets alike draw inspiration from the detail and 

 beauty of plants, not to mention engineers. Along with the beaut)', comes a de- 

 sire to preserve it for our posterity. Sound conservation practices must be stepped 

 up to keep pace with the destructive forces. 



The majority of students taking botany are simply interested in the world 

 of plant life perse, although it would be difficult to separate this group from the 

 preceding one. The contacts one has with botany start early in the morning with 

 coffee, bread, and cereals and continue in one way or another throughout the 



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