PREFACE. 



As the best authorities have been consulted for the 

 botanical information given in this little work, it is 

 hoped that, (however deficient in other respects) it 

 will be found an useful guide to the beginner in the 

 study of the Natural System of Botany. 



One who had full opportunity for observing the ad- 

 vantage this study was to the mind, asserts that, 

 "Mathematics do not more effectually strengthen and 

 discipline the judgment, than does the study of Na- 

 tural History " . . . . teaching, " the art of thinking 

 clearly and accurately, with a much less degree of 

 weariness to the mind, <fec."* 



* "This search into Nature produces also, a highly bene- 

 ficial influence on the understanding. Mathematics do not 

 more effectually strengthen and discipline the judgment. By 

 a continual analysis, comparison and generalization of things, 

 the study of Natural History teaches the art of thinking 

 clearly and accurately, and of reasoning with precision and 

 force, with a much less degree of weariness, than that, which 

 usually accompanies the study of simple quantities and mere 

 abstract forms." " Naturalists' Poetical Companion" by a 

 Fellow of the Linnean Society. 



