212 ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL BOTANY. 



the Genus is a Latin noun, and that of the Species 

 generally a Latin adjective agreeing with the noun. The 

 Buttercup, for example, which we examined at the 

 outset, belongs to the Genus Ranunculus. In this Genus 

 are included many Species. The particular one examined 

 by us is known as acris; so that the full name of the 

 plant is Ranunculus acris. In like manner, the name 

 of the plant popularly called Marsh-Marigold is Caltha 

 palustris. 



367. The Key which is prefixed to the Classification 

 will enable you to determine without much difficulty the 

 Order to which a plant belongs, but nothing more. Having 

 satisfied yourselves as to the Order, you must turn to the 

 page on which that Order is described, and, by carefully 

 comparing the descriptions there given with the characters 

 exhibited by your plant, decide upon its Genus, and, in 

 the same manner, upon its Species. 



THE HERBARIUM. 



368. Those who are anxious to make the most of their 

 botanical studies will find it of great advantage to gather 

 and preserve specimens for reference. A few hints, 

 therefore, on this subject will not be out of place. It will, 

 of course, be an object to collectors to have their specimens 

 exhibit as many of their natural characters as possible, so 

 that, although dried and pressed, there will be no difficulty 

 in recognizing them ; and to this end neatness and care 

 are the first requisites. 



Specimens should be collected when the plants are in 

 ilower, and, if possible, on a dry day, as the flowers are 



