8 INTEODUCTOBY. 



and tlie second subclass having, in lieu of petals, chaffy scales, 

 or glumes, and so being named GLUMALS. These are com- 

 prised of Sedges and Grasses." 



The young companions were soon called upon to separate ; 

 but, before doing so, they agreed to study botany carefull} 7 ", 

 searching diligently for plants which they should identify if 

 possible, and press carefully. Working thus during the whole 

 spring, summer, and autumn, they should meet the next 

 Christmas at one of their homes, or, still better, at Mr. 

 Carew's, the clergyman for whom the herbarium was to be 

 made, and show all the plants to him, telling him at the same 

 time of all their rambles in search of them, and detailing all 

 the information they had collected. At Edward's suggestion 

 they formed themselves into a botanical club, Esther being 

 President, Fanny Secretary, and Ned Yice-president. 



Spring lingered long ere making its appearance that year. 

 Heavy rains during February and high winds in March kept 

 back vegetation ; but April, with its smiles and tears, suc- 

 ceeded in alluring the budding plants. The young botanists 

 eagerly availed themselves of the first opportunity for com- 

 mencing their search, and their efforts did not long remain 

 unrewarded. Fanny might be seen, with an expression of 

 lively interest on her countenance, climbing the cliffs, pene- 

 trating the woods, and exploring the salt marshes. Her 

 mother thanked God for the renewed health which tinged 

 her cheek and gave elasticity to her step, and she gladly 

 procured stronger boots and dresses of firm texture in which 

 she might ramble and climb at her own free will without 

 fear of detriment. She made no objection even to the large 

 flower-press, which would have been thought too uncouth for 

 many a less elegant drawing-room ; nay, she quite loved the 

 rough machine as a means of procuring health and interest 

 to her daughter. 



Matters did not go quite as smoothly with Edward Leigh ; 

 but the boy was largely endowed with firmness and held 



