PREFACE. 



A principal boject of Botany must always be to inves- 

 tigate the nature and qualities of Plants, with a view to 

 ascertain their various uses, and, in many cases, the best 

 mode of cultivating them ; but it has been proved that 

 without a methodical arrangement the observations of 

 individuals on these subjects cannot be accumulated, 

 nor the discoveries of one age handed down to another. 

 The ancients knew much, and wrote much, concerning 

 vegetables ; yet, from want of system, their discoveries 

 are mostly lost, and their writings of comparatively little 

 value. 



The several editions that have already been published 

 of the " Compendium Flora Britannicce" and of some 

 other manuals on the same subject, are deemed sufficient 

 proofs of the usefulness of a brief description of our 

 native plants, which we may carry in our hands during 

 our excursions into the fields. 



The present little volume, however, besides exhibiting 

 a concise yet comprehensive view of the latest improve- 

 ments and discoveries contained in "The English Flora" 



