PREFACE 

 TO THE THIRD EDITION. 



THE first edition of this work was presented to the public with 

 many fears and much hesitation ; the favourable reception which it 

 received, was therefore gratifying, in proportion as it was unexpect- 

 ed. The encouraging voice and approving smile of our fellow tra- 

 vellers in the journey of life, have a powerful influence in exciting 

 us to greater efforts ; and while the virtuous mind would fear to in- 

 dulge in an inordinate love of human applause, it must feel that the 

 approbation of the good on earth, is a pledge of that higher reward 

 which awaits it hereafter. These Lectures, although written \\ith 

 a view to teach science, have yet a higher aim, that of leading the 

 youthful mind to view the wisdom, power and goodness of the Al- 

 mighty, as manifested in his creation and no commendation which 

 this work has received, has been so gratifying to its author, as that, 

 which has ascribed to it a religious tendency. 



Since the publication of this elementary work, the science of which 

 it treats has been introduced, as a study, into many of our principal 

 female seminaries ; and in the various applications for teachers, 

 which are made to this institution from different parts of the country, 

 an acquaintance with Botany is now often made an indispensable 

 qualification. It was the difficulty of procuring a 'female instructor 

 in this department which led the author of these lectures to apply 

 herself to the study of a science, whose beauties until recently have 

 been concealed from general observation. 



In this edition care has been taken to profit by the remarks of teach- 

 ers and others who have used the work. The Physiological depart- 

 ment is rendered more full, by additional remarks upon the growth 

 of plants, circulation of fluids, MirbeVs arrangements of fruits, 

 *c. The wood cuts which are now added will, it is thought, be 

 found useful for purposes of illustration. The analysis of subjects is 

 now placed at the bottom of each page, as being there more con- 

 venient for reference, than at the end of the book. 



To some scientific gentlemen, who, condescending to notice so, 

 unpretending a volume, have suggested the propriety of rendering 

 it more strictly scientific, the author would reply, that from the first 

 it was only intended as a popular introduction to the science. No 

 one department is considered as complete ; the botanical descriptions 

 do not include all the plants of any one section of the country, but 

 aome of the most common indigenous and exotic plants of the various 

 botanical districts of the United States ; such, as it is supposed, teach- 

 ers can easily procure for analysis in their classes. Pupils going into 

 the fields to collect plants should be provided with a Flora of the re- 



