VI PREFACE. 



in the spring or early summer, that being the season 

 when the study is generally pursued in our schools ; 

 (3.) It should have conspicuous parts, at least the 

 earlier ones, adapted to the comprehension of a begin- 

 ner ; ( 4.) It should belong to one of the more impor- 

 tant Orders, as neither the limits of the book nor the 

 requirements of the plan adopted would admit the 

 study of them all ; finally, the selection was often influ- 

 enced by some intrinsic feature which fitted the plant 

 to illustrate a special principle in vegetable life, as 

 sleep, irritability, cross-fertilization. 



This work is merely an introduction, conducting 

 the pupil across the gateway only. Yet it is not de- 

 signed for infants ; the rather for learners capable of 

 thought and reason. To all such it offers a helping 

 hand, seeking to smooth their path and to awaken 

 such an interest in the subject as will induce them to 

 pursue their investigations in more advanced books 

 and in the broader field of Nature itself. 



The illustrations in this work are nearly all from 

 original designs prepared by Mr. Sprague, " the most 

 accurate of living botanical artists," and Mr. Emerton, 

 designer of the illustrations in Prof. Eaton's North 

 American Ferns. 



