iv PREFACE. 



structure, types, adaptations, and modifications, once understood, 

 are not readily forgotten ; and they give meaning and interest to 

 the technical terms used in explaining them. 



In these "Elements" naturally no mention has been made of 

 certain terms and names which recent cryptogamically-minded 

 botanists, with lack of proportion and just perspective, are en- 

 deavoring to introduce into phanerogamous botany, and which are 

 not needed nor appropriate, even in more advanced works, for the 

 adequate recognition of the ascertained analogies and homologies. 



As this volume will be the grammar and dictionary to more than 

 one or two Manuals, Floras, etc., the particular directions for pro- 

 cedure which were given in the " First Lessons " are now relegated 

 to those works themselves, which in their new editions will pro- 

 vide the requisite explanations. On the other hand, in view of 

 such extended use, the Glossary at the end of this book has been 

 considerably enlarged. It will be found to include not merely the 

 common terms of botanical description but also many which are 

 unusual or obsolete ; yet any of them may now and then be encoun- 

 tered. Moreover, no small number of the Latin and Greek words 

 which form the whole or part of the commoner specific names are 

 added to this Glossary, some in an Anglicized, others in their Latin 

 form. This may be helpful to students with small Latin and less 

 Greek, in catching the meaning of a botanical name or term. 



The illustrations in this volume are largely increased in number. 

 They are mostly from the hand of Isaac Sprague. 



It happens that the title chosen for this book is that of the 

 author's earliest publication, in the year 1836, of which copies are 

 rarely seen ; so that no inconvenience is likely to arise from the 

 present use of the name. 



ASA GRAY 



CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS, 

 March, 1887. 



