12, 13.] DEPARTMENTS OF SCIENCE. 1 3 



tissues, including both the vital and chemical phe- 

 nomena in the germination, growth, and reproduction 

 of plants. It has, therefore, a practical bearing upon 

 the labors of husbandry in the propagation and cult- 

 ure of plants, both in the garden and in the field. 



22. Systematic Botany arises from the consideration 

 of plants in relation to each other. It aims to arrange 

 and classify plants into groups and families, according 

 to their mutual affinities, so as to constitute of them 

 all one unbroken series or system. 



23. Descriptive Botany, or Phytology, is the art of 

 expressing the distinctive characters of species and 

 groups of plants with accuracy and precision, in order 

 to their complete recognition. A Flora is a descrip- 

 tive work of this kind, embracing the- plants of some 

 particular country or district. 



24. Finally, in its extended sense, Botany comprehends also the knowledge 

 of the relations of plants to the other departments of nature particularly to 

 mankind. The ultimate aim of its researches is the development of the 

 boundless resources of the vegetable kingdom, for our sustenance and pro- 

 tection as well as education; for the healing of our diseases and the allevia- 

 tion of our wants and woes. This branch of botanical science is called 

 Applied Botany, including several departments as Medical Botany, or Phar 4 

 macy; Agricultural Botany, or Chemistry; Pomology, etc. 



25. The name of a plant or other natural object 

 is twofold, the trivial or popular name, by which it 

 is generally known in the country ; and the Latin 

 name, by which it is accurately designated in science 

 throughout the world. For example, Strawberry is 

 the popular name, and Fragaria vesca the Latin or 

 scientific name, of the same plant. In elementary 

 treatises, like the present, for the sake of being readily 

 understood, plants are usually called by their popular 

 names. Yet we earnestly recommend the learner to 



