PREFACE. 
SMALL and inexpensive works on Botany have been re- 
peatedly published, but none calculated to be really and 
practically useful to children, or those commencing the 
study, if they wish to pursue the subject unassisted by 
botanists. There are many pleasing treatises on the 
subject, containing interesting information respecting the 
plants of which they treat; but it appears almost useless 
to detail all these circumstances to those who are unac- 
quainted with the plants themselves. ‘The first knowledge 
necessary is the name of the flower, and with this the 
information acquired is practically useful ; without it, 
vague and unsatisfactory. The object, therefore, of this 
introductory work is to enable young persons with little 
difficulty to discover the scientific names of the common 
plants they may find in their country rambles. A few in- 
teresting facts are also given respecting the uses, habits, 
