PREFACE vii 



Chapters XXXVI and XXXVII, on the Gymnosperms and 

 Angiosperms, as well as the latter portions of the chapters on 

 the algae, fungi, mosses and ferns, aie not intended for study 

 except in advanced classes. Some few students, however, will 

 be interested in the life histories, with the illustrative formulae 

 and graphic representations of life cycles, together with the 

 reviews showing progression in the evolution of plant struc- 

 tures. The author believes it is a good principle in pedagogy 

 to present now and then ideas and inferences upon the work 

 which may be beyond the comprehension of the majority of 

 the members of the class, of course without holding the students 

 answerable in any way for it. It is stimulating and suggestive 

 to most students especially if it is not required work, and serves 

 now and then to lift their minds out of the " humdrum" of the 

 regular course. A few will catch glimpses of principles and 

 processes in nature which will be decidedly beneficial in the 

 development of thought and reasoning power. 



Since it is neither practicable nor desirable to lay down a 

 hard and fast course for all high schools, there are suggested 

 below several courses which are suitable for different con- 

 ditions. 



For short courses, one half year or less: Part I, and Chapter 

 XXXVIII (Economic or useful plants) with parts of Chapters 

 XXXIX, XL, and XLI. For a full half-year course the study 

 of an alga (Spirogyra), a mold (Bread mold), a moss (Polytri- 

 chum or other type) and a fern may be added. 



For courses in agricultural botany: Part I, and Chapters 

 XXVIII to XXXI (Fungi), Chapter XXXVIII (Economic or 

 Useful Plants), and parts of Chapters XXXIX, XL, and XLI. 



For two half-year courses: First course: Part I, and Chapter 

 XXXVIII (Economic or Useful Plants) and parts of Chapters 

 XXXIX, XL, and XLI. Second course: Chapters XXIV to 

 XXXVII. Several algae and fungi, a lichen, a liverwort and 

 moss (with a few additional types for illustration), a fern 

 (with several additional ones, with horsetails, club-mosses and 



