^ PREFACE 



the plant kingdom. The learning of methods and the 

 collection of facts are fundamental processes, but they 

 must be supplemented by information and ideas to be of 

 most service. 



The author does not believe in the use of technical 

 terms unless absolutely necessary, for they lead frequently 

 to mistaking definitions of words for knowledge of things. 

 But it is necessary to introduce the student not merely to 

 the main facts but also to the literature of botany. Ac- 

 cordingly, the most commonly used technical terms are 

 introduced, often two or three for the same thing, but it 

 is hoped that familiarity with them will enable the student 

 to read any ordinary botanical text. Care has been taken 

 to give definitions and derivations, and to call repeated 

 attention to synonymous terms, so that there may be no 

 confusion. The chaotic state of morphological terminology 

 tempted the author to formulate or accept some consistent 

 scheme of terms ; but it was felt that this would impose 

 upon the student too great difficulty in reading far more 

 important current texts. 



Chapters I-XII form a connected whole, presenting the 

 general story of the evolution of plants from the lowest to 

 the highest. The remaining chapters are supplementary, 

 and can be used as time or inclination permits, but it is the 

 judgment of the author that they should be included if 

 possible. The fiower is so conspicuous and important a 

 feature in connection with the highest plants, that Chapter 

 XIII seems to be a fitting sequel to the preceding chapters. 

 It also seems desirable to develop some knowledge of the 

 great Angiosperm families, as presented in Chapter XIV, 

 since they are the most conspicuous members of every flora. 

 In this connection, the author has been in the habit of 

 directing the examination of characteristic flowers, and of 

 teaching the use of ordinary taxonomic manuals. Chap- 

 ter XV deals with anatomical matters, but the structures 

 included are so bound up with the form and work of plants 



