BOTANY OF THE LIVING PLANT 



INTRODUCTION. 



The vegetation of any ordinary country-side consists of a vast number 

 of distinct kinds of Plants, large and small, simple and complex. 

 They are mixed up without any apparent system or order. The 

 object of the scientific study of this mixed vegetation is to know as 

 much as possible about the various Plants that compose it. The form 

 of each kind of Plant when fully grown will have to be noted, as well 

 as the way it grows so as to attain that form. The way the Plants 

 nourish themselves is also an important question. And finally we 

 shall enquire how they increase in numbers : for some die off from 

 time to time, and their places are constantly being taken by new 

 Plants. 



This study of Plants and of their vital activities cannot be carried 

 out with success by merely examining the mass of Plants all together. 

 They must be taken singly, and examined individually. One can 

 then be compared with another. On the basis of such comparisons 

 we may form opinions as to their probable relationships, and even 

 approach a view regarding their origin. To make such a study 

 methodical and coherent, the Plants recognised must be arranged 

 according to their characters. They must in fact be classified, and 

 the classification should then indicate their natural affinities. In such 

 a Natural Classification those which are relatively simple in then- 

 structure and mode of life should be placed first, and the most 

 elaborate last. 



We may take as an example of a very simple Plant that green 

 powdery growth which is often found on the bark of trees, on wooden 

 rails, and other places, in damp situations. This growth is composed 

 of individual grains which are very numerous, but so small that tl 

 are only visible to the naked eye when present in large number 



B.B. A 



