INTRODUCTION. 15 



bution, and classification; only reminding our young readers 

 that they must not be satisfied with the bare perusal of our 

 pages, but at once proceed in their rural walks to collect 

 their objects of study, which may be examined at home, 

 .with tlie aid of a microscope of lov^^ power or good pocket- 

 lens, combined with a penknife and pair of scissors. In 

 subsequent chapters we shall give a few short directions 

 for preserving them in the herbarium, and describe the 

 mode we have found successful in cultivating them. 



There is no spot on the surface of our globe more highly 

 favoured than the British Isles, in respect of this depart- 

 ment of their Flora ; and as some of them may be found at 

 all seasons of the year, we may find also in them, in our 

 botanical excursions, a fund of pleasant amusement and 

 instruction wherever we 



"Go abroad 

 Upon the paths of natui'e, and when all 

 Its voices whisper, and its silent tilings 

 Arc breathing t'he deep beauty of the world. 



"Acquaint thyself with God, if thou wouldst taste 

 His works. Admitted once to his embrace. 

 Thou slialt perceive that thou wast bliud before ; 

 Thine eye shall be instructed and thine heart 

 Made pure ; slialt relish with Divine delight. 

 Till then unfelt, what bauds Divine have wrought." — Cowper. 



