b TO TEACHERS. 



having seen in what respects their plant agrees with each general divi- 

 sion, and differs from each genus under the section in which it is found, 

 they ascertain its generic name. They should be taught in the same 

 manner to trace out its species : they will perceive at each step some new 

 circumstance of resemblance or difference, untrl they come to a species, 

 tlie description of which answers to the plant under consideration. 



Technical terms should be explained as the pupil proceeds. The ad- 

 vantage in this kind of explanation, over that of any abstract idea, is, that 

 it is manifested to the senses of the pupils by the object before them. If 

 a teacher attempt to define the words reason, will, &c., or any other ab- 

 stract terms, there is danger that the pupil may, from misunderstanding 

 the language used in the explanation, obtain but a very confused and im- 

 perfect idea of the definition ; — and, indeed, what two philosophical writers 

 give to abstract terms the same definition ? Though mankind do not, in 

 the purely mental operations, exhibit an entire uniformity, yet, in their 

 external- senses, they seldom disagree. A flower which appears to one 

 person to be composed of six petals, with corolla bell-form, and of a 

 yelloAv color, is seen to be so by another. Pupils who find it difficult to 

 understand their other studies (which in early youth are often too ab- 

 stract), are usually delighted with this method of analyzing plants ; they 

 feel that they understand the whole process by which they have brought 

 out the result, and perhaps, for the first time, enjoy the pleasure of clear 

 ideas upon a scientific subject. 



It is necessary, before the meeting of the class, to have a suitable 

 number of plants collected, so that all may have specimens. In ex- 

 amining pupils as they proceed in their study, each one, besides reciting 

 a lesson, should be required to give an analysis of one or more plants ; 

 sometimes the whole class having similar flowers ; at others, permission 

 being granted to pupils to bring any plant they choose. At public ex- 

 aminations, the extemporaneous analysis of plants is a satisfactory method 

 of testing a knowledge of the subject. With^ respect to those portions 

 of the work to which attention should most particularly be paid, much 

 must be. left to the judgment of the teacher. Whatever relates to modes 

 of classification, and makes part of a system, should be noted : many 

 remarks, illustrations, and quotations, designed for reading, are given in 

 small type. 



The analysis at the bottom of each page is designed rather to suggest 

 the leading subjects, than as a form of questions ; for every experienced 

 teacher must perceive the importance of varying his mode of questioning. 



As soon as he is somewhat advanced in the knowledge of plants, the 

 pupil should be induced to form in his mind associations according to 

 the Natural Alliances ; and in herbaria it is better to arrange the plants 

 by Natural Orders. 



