PREFACE. Vli 



The course I pursued is also tliat which 

 I shall point out to my readers. I shall first 

 endeavour to explain to them as clearly as I 

 can the botanical characteristics of the orders 

 which contain plants commonly grown in Bri- 

 tish gardens ; and at the end of my work I shall 

 lay before them a slight outline of all the orders 

 scientifically arranged, which they may study or 

 not as they like. Most ladies will, however, 

 probably be satisfied with knowing the orders 

 containing popular plants ; and these, I am con- 

 fident, they will never repent having studied. 

 Indeed, I do not think that I could form a 

 kinder wish for them, than to hope that they 

 may find as much pleasure in the pursuit as I 

 have derived from it myself. Whenever I go 

 into any country I have formerly visited, I feel 

 as though I were endowed with a new sense. 

 Even the very banks by the sides of the roads, 

 which I before thought dull and uninteresting, 

 now appear fraught with beauty. A new charm 

 seems thrown over the face of nature, and a 

 degree of interest is given to even the com- 

 monest weeds. I have often heard that know- 



