PUBLISHERS' PREFACE 



TO 



GRAY'S SCHOOL AND FIELD BOOK OF BOTANY. 



THIS work consists of the " LESSONS IN BOTANY " and the " FIELD, 

 FOREST, AND GARDEN BOTANY," bound together in one complete volume, 

 forming a most popular and comprehensive SCHOOL BOTANY, adapted to 

 beginners and advanced classes, to Agricultural Colleges and Schools, as well 

 as to all other grades in which the science is taught. It is also adapted for 

 use as a handbook to assist in analyzing plants and flowers in field study of 

 botany either by classes or individuals. 



The book is intended to furnish Botanical Classes and beginners with an 

 easier introduction to the Plants of this country, and a much more compre- 

 hensive work, than the MANUAL. 



Beginning with the first principles, it progresses by easy stages until the 

 student who is at all diligent is enabled to master the intricacies of the 

 science. 



It is a Grammar and Dictionary of Botany, and comprises the common 

 Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees of the Southern as well as the Northern and Middle 

 States, including the commonly cultivated as well as the native species in 

 fields, gardens, pleasure grounds, or house culture, and even the conservatory 

 plants ordinarily met with 



