12 FLORA INDICA. 



with accuracy the species of a plant, even when the whole genus 

 is well known ; much more is this the case in genera, many 

 of whose species are yet undiscovered ; and most of all, ni 

 those where the forms, though sufficiently well known, are 

 liable to much variation . In the last case their determination 

 becomes a special study ; and when attempted without access 

 to authentic specimens, leads to inextricable confusion, and its 

 evil effects are not confined to specific botany, but extend o 

 all departments. 



The pages of our Indian Flora will supply numerous illus- 

 trations of these remarks, and we would direct the attention 

 of those commencing the study to the lesson to be derive 

 from these instructive errors ; for where the first botanists o 

 the day have failed, beginners cannot be expected to succee 

 It cannot be too strongly impressed upon all students of bo- 

 tany, that it is only after much preliminary study, and wi 

 the aids of a complete library, and an herbarium contain- 

 ing authentic specimens of a very large proportion of known 

 species, that descriptive botany can be effectively carried ou , 

 and it woidd be well for science if this were fully understoo 

 and acted upon. 



The prevailing tendency on the part of students of aU 

 branches of natural history, to exaggerate the number of spe- 

 cies, and to separate accidental forms by trifling characters, is, 

 we think, clearly traceable to the want of early training m 

 accurate observation, and of proper instruction in the objects 

 and aim of natural science. Students are not taught to sys- 

 tematize on broad grounds and sound principles, though 

 this is one of the most difficult processes, requiring g^** 

 judgment and caution ; or, what is worse, they are led by the 

 example if not by the precepts of their teachers, to regard 

 generic and specific distinctions as things of little importance, 

 to be fixed by a-bitrary characters, or according to accidental 

 circumstance As a conseqm nee, the study of systematic 

 botany is gradually taking a lower and lower place in our 



schools j am!, being abandoned by many of those who arc 



