PREFACE Vll 



The book accovdingly starts with the pines, — the lowest group of 

 plants described, — and ends with the Comi^osites, the most highly 

 specialized family in the Vegetable Kingdom. This arrangement 

 is much more in harmony with evolutionary ideas than that usually 

 adopted. 



It is hoped that the book will be found up to date, and, though 

 its authors are conscious of its many short-comings, they trust 

 it will be of service to all who wish to learn something of the 

 fascinating problems in the Plant World around them. 



E.M.L. 



E.W.B. 

 March 30th, 1906. 



