INTRODUCTION. xi 



objects are to be classed for purposes of art or business, 

 as for those of science. The proper arrangement, for 

 example, of a code of laws, depends on the same scientific 

 conditions as the classifications in natural history ; nor 

 could there be a better preparatory discipline for that im- 

 portant function than the study of the principles of a 

 natural arrangement, not only in the abstract, but in their 

 actual application to the class of phenomena for which 

 they were first elaborated, and which are still the best 

 school for learning their use." 



But it will be a grave mistake to suppose that these 

 benefits can be secured by the mere use of text-books, 

 however full and valuable the information they contain. 

 Nor are they to be gained by the casual examination of 

 plants, nor by the analyses of a few flowers, with the aid 

 of keys and dictionaries, nor in the limited time usually 

 allotted to the subject. The study must be commenced 

 early, and pursued steadily by direct observation, until its 

 elementary facts and principles are made familiar. It is 

 the claim of this book that, if its method is faithfully fol- 

 lowed, it will not only secure an actual acquaintance with 

 an important branch of knowledge, but will enforce a 

 mental discipline of much value in the intellectual work of 

 life, and which is greatly needed in general education. 



The exercises of the volume are designed simply as 

 guides to self-education. The pupil is told very little. 

 From the beginning to the end he is sent to the plant to 

 get his knowledge of the plant. The science of botany 

 is especially available for self- culture, because its element- 

 ary facts are so simple that their study can be commenced 

 in early childhood, and so numerous as to sustain a pro- 

 longed course of observation. From rudimentary and 

 simple facts the pupil may proceed gradually to the more 

 complex ; from observation to the truths resting upon 

 observation, through a course of successively higher and 

 more comprehensive exercises. Under the guidance here 



