2 ELEMENTS OP STRUCTURAL BOTANY. 



It is desirable that the beginner should provide him- 

 self with a magnifying glass of moderate power for 

 examining the more minute parts of specimens ; a sharp 

 penknife for dissecting -: and a couple of fine needles, 

 which he can himself insert in convenient handles, and 

 v.'hicl* wil* be found of Treat service in separating delicate 

 parts, and in impaling line portions for examination 

 with the aid of the lens. 



CHAPTER I, 



EXAMINATION OF A BUTTERCUP. 



2. To begin with, there is no plant quite so suitable 

 as our common Buttercup. This plant, which has con- 

 spicuous yellow flowers, may be found growing in almost 

 every moist meadow. Having found one, take up the 

 whole plant, loosening the soil a little, so as to obtain as 

 much of the Root as possible. Wash away the earth 



adhering to the 

 latter part, arid 

 then proceed to 

 examine your 

 specimen. Begin- 

 ning with the 

 Root (Fig. 1), the 

 first noticeable 

 Fig. 1 thing is that it is 



not of the same colour as the rest of the plant. It is 



Fie. 1. Fibrous Root pi Buttercup. 



