78 POPULAR FIELD BOTANY. 
then cold, now sunshine, and soon after bright showers, 
gives a beauty to the month of April which is very delight- 
ful. The process of vegetation is general and rapid in this 
month, and the botanist may add many treasures to his col- 
lection by exerting a little industry and observation. Several 
of our forest trees are now in flower, and deserve attention. 
Not only from their size and beauty of form, but also from 
the value of the timber, the Oak, Chesnut, Beech, Ash, and 
Birch, are all showing their respective blossoms, and are so 
various in their peculiarities that the study is extremely in- 
teresting. Thirty or forty new plants may be added to 
those found last month, and the herbarium begins to 
to be looked upon with pleasure; and to those who are new 
to the study, much has to be done in gathering, examining, 
naming, drying, and arranging the various plants met with. 
T would advise all those who are earnest in the science to 
dry every plant im flower that is procured, even if the name 
cannot be discovered by reference to the book at the time, 
because some accidental circumstance, some resemblance to 
one hereafter discovered, may lead to the generic name and 
specific distinctions. 
