IS NATIVE PLANTS. 



genus Cheiran'thus; and if he did not know them 

 he could find their descriptions by referring to 

 botanical books. 



EDWARD. 



Shall we examine a Geranium first, as we have 

 so many in our green-house ? 



MOTHER. 



No, my dear ! That genus is in the sixteenth 

 class, Monadelphia ; and I think it will be easier 

 for you to begin with a plant in one of the first ten 

 classes, which depend on the number only of the 

 stamens. Besides, the Geraniums in the green- 

 house are not natives of England, that is, they do 

 not grow wild in the hedges and fields : l and we 

 had better confine ourselves, for some time, to the 

 examination of native plants only. Although these 

 are generally called weeds, many of them are so 

 beautiful that they are cultivated in flower-gardens. 

 An acquaintance with the plants of our own country 

 is more desirable for you than a knowledge of 

 foreign ones, as they are more within your reach ; 

 and it will be impossible to be thoroughly ac- 

 quainted with both, unless you devote much more 

 time to Botany, than you can give it without 

 neglecting your other employments. 



