INTRODUCTION. xi 



noticed, has taken the view of the subject here presented ; and, as 

 few subjects are of more importance and yet few as little understood, 

 our design has been to render it entertaining and popular with the great 

 body of readers, instead of claiming the discovery of any new facts, 

 or deducing any new theories therefrom. 



In the outlines of vegetable physiology much information it is believ- 

 ed has been condensed, less however with regard to system than use- 

 fulness. And, incur general review of vegetable nature, a wide field 

 of observation is glanced over for the purpose of exhibiting the range 

 of our subject, and to encourage a more particular acquaintance with 

 it. This, indeed, is a primary object of the work ; and the reader is 

 therefore heartily invited to extend his acquaintance with the vegeta- 

 ble kingdom as the most productive source of pleasure and advantage. 





