PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
Tus little work, the second edition of which is now entering 
on its career, was originally compiled for the use of some 
young friends of the author, and used by them in manuscript 
with sufficient success to induce its publication, in the hope 
that it might contribute to form other young botanists, and 
lay the foundation for much interesting amusement, arising 
from a pursuit so congenial to the young and active; and 
above all to those who delight in the examination of the 
works of nature: a study to which we are urged not only 
by our own feeling of its propriety, as showing a due reve- 
rence for the gifts of God, but to which we are incited by 
many of the first writers of ancient and modern times. 
Malton will however be sufficient authority to the English 
