PREFACE 



HE plan of this work differs from that of 

 the ordinary Botany. The method pur- 

 sued is to introduce the pupil at once to 

 the study of the plant itself, by means of 

 elaborate illustrations, and living speci- 

 mens. 



The parts and functions, together with 

 the generic and specific characters of each plant, are 

 pointed out and described. The thing being seen, is 

 then named. No new term is introduced until a 

 necessity arises for its use. About one hundred rep- 

 resentative plants are thus explained. The work may 

 therefore be considered as a limited Flora. But it is 

 much more. Through an acquaintance with these 

 representative plants, the pupil is gradually led to a 

 knowledge of the principles of Botany. In the com- 

 mon treatise he is told the general law and then given 

 illustrations ; in this, he is shown the instances, and 

 thence conducted to the broad truth of Nature. 



The selection of plants for analysis has been deter- 

 mined by the following considerations : ( i.) The plant 

 should be common throughout the country and hence 

 accessible to every learner; (2.) It should flower 



