12 INTRODUCTION. 



Broccoli, Cauliflower, &c., are, in like manner, only varieties of 

 one species, greatly altered by cultivation ; the plant which was 

 the original stock of all, having been formed susceptible of more 

 remarkable changes than most others, and thus rendered at the 

 same time useful to man, and very easy of production. 



These instances, to which many more will be hereafter added, 

 will suffice to show that it is not only in their original state, that 

 the adaptation of each tribe of Plants to particular circumstances 

 is exhibited ; since there are many which can thus spread them- 

 selves, or may be spread by Man, over a large part of the globe. 

 And in this capability, no less than in their original aspect, do 

 we recognise the wisdom and power of the Almighty Designer, 

 who willed that no portion of the globe should be unclothed by 

 vegetation, and that from every part the herbage should spring 

 forth for the supply of the Animal creation, which is entirely 

 dependent on it, either directly or indirectly, for its sustenance. 



Such, then, being the universal diffusion of these beings, it is 

 obvious that in no spot can he who seeks to make himself ac- 

 quainted with then- structure and habits, be without some subjects 

 for examination. And since the humblest and simplest Plants 

 are found, when examined, to display an organisation as remark- 

 ably and beautifully adapted to the functions they are to perform, 

 and to the conditions in which they are to exist, as is that of the 

 highest and most complicated, there is no reason why any should 

 be neglected, however insignificant they may appear. 



The following Volume is intended to serve as a guide to those 

 who are inclined to make the wonders of the Vegetable Kingdom 

 an object of their regard, 'either as a source of recreation, or with 

 those higher views to which the student of Natural History can 

 scarcely avoid being led. For although no doubt can be enter- 

 tained by the reflecting mind, that the Power, Wisdom, and 

 Goodness of the Creator are everywhere operating with equal 

 energy, whether in the simple but majestic arrangement of the 

 heavenly bodies, or in those changes by which our own globe is 



