PREFACE, V 



may be burdened without improving the other intellectual faculties, 

 and that the best method of teaching, is that which tends most to 

 develope, fertilize, and strengthen the mind. 



A small text book, in a dry, concise style, may answer very well 

 where a teacher has leisure and ability to amplify and explain ; thus 

 supplying to the pupils the want of an interesting book : yet with all 

 this labour on the part of a teacher, a book containing interesting 

 illustrations, would be desirable. But many teachers have neither 

 the time, nor the confidence in themselves, to attempt to enlarge or 

 illustrate : considering their duty as terminating in a faithful expla- 

 nation of the book from which their pupils study. 



It is desirable that school books should be easy to teach, and easy 

 to learn. 



The essentials for these purposes are, 



1st. A clear and methodical arrangement of subjects. 



2d. Perspicuity of language. 



3d. A pleasing style, and interesting illustrations. 



Whether I have attained to this standard, it remains for experi- 

 ence to determine. 



But much as I have desired to aid the youthful mind in acquiring 

 the elements of knowledge, still more have I desired to lead that mind 

 to the fountain of all knowledge, to teach it to behold the providence 

 of God as ever active, and watchful over all, even the least of his 

 works. 



I am greatly indebted to the kindness of Dr. Robbins, who amidst 

 the fatigue of professional duties, has performed a service, for which, 

 by long and close study of the ancient languages, he i& peculiarly 

 well qualified, that of accenting the genera and species of plants an- 

 nexed to these*lectures. This it is believed will prove of great 

 utility both to teachers and pupils; for without some guide, those 

 who are unacquainted with the principles of accentuation in the 

 Latin and Greek languages, are liable to many mistakes in pro- 

 nouncing botanical names. 



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