BOTANY OF THE LIVING PLANT 



INTRODUCTION. 



THE vegetation of any ordinary country-side consists of a vast number 

 of distinct kinds of Plants, large and small, simple and complex. 

 They are mixed up without any apparent system or order. The 

 scientific study of this mixed vegetation has as its object to get 

 to know as much as possible about the various Plants that com- 

 pose it. The Form of each kind of Plant when fully grown will have 

 to be noted, as well as the way it grows so as to attain that form. 

 The way the Plants nourish themselves is also an important question. 

 And finally we shall enquire how they increase in numbers : for some 

 die off from time to time, and their places are constantly being taken 

 by new Plants. 



This study of Plants and of their vital activities cannot be carried 

 out with success by merely examining the mass of Plants all together. 

 They must be taken singly, and examined individually. One can 

 then be compared with another. On the basis of such comparisons 

 we may form opinions as to their probable relationships, and even 

 approach a view regarding their origin. To make such a study 

 methodical and coherent, the Plants recognised must be arranged 

 according to their characters. They must in fact be classified, and 

 the classification should then indicate their natural affinities. In such 

 a Natural Classification those which are relatively simple in their 

 structure and mode of life should be placed first, and the most 

 elaborate last. 



We may take as an example of a very simple Plant that green 

 powdery growth which is often found on the bark of Trees, on wooden 

 rails, and other places, in damp situations. This growth is composed 

 of individual grains which are very numerous, but so small that they 

 are only visible to the naked eye when present in large numbers. 



