iv PREFACE. 



So far as the scientific description and classification of 

 these plants are concerned, the plan of this book does not 

 differ from that adopted by the best botanists. The various 

 genera are grouped together under their respective orders, 

 and the species and varieties under their genera in the same 

 way as in other books. Each order has a general statement 

 which characterizes all the plants belonging to it, and each 

 genus and species and variety a more specific description of 

 such other characteristics as determine its classification. 

 But in addition to this, and to supplement it, are introduced 

 the features in which this book differs from those hereto- 

 fore published. Thus, after the technical description of a 

 plant will be found an account of its geographical range, 

 the origin of its name, its history, including a statement of 

 its birthplace and distribution over the globe, its uses, modes 

 of cultivation, preparation, and propagation, and many sta- 

 tistics of economical and commercial interest. 



The book is the outgrowth of a successful class-room 

 experience, and the author recommends it to the notice of 

 teachers and pupils, in the hope that they may find in it 

 both interest and profit, and that it may tend to relieve 

 the monotony of a strictly technical treatment of the 

 subject, and enhance, if possible, the beauty and the use- 

 fulness of the study of Botany. 



