XXVI PREFACE. 



which genera are there artificially disposed accord- 

 ing to those characters. Having determined the 

 genus, he will then find it, amongst its allies, duly 

 numbered, in the body of the work, where its full 

 characters, with all needful observations, and re- 

 ferences to figures of the fructification, are given ; 

 the natural order, according to Linnaeus, Jussieu, 

 or others, being indicated. For the history of the 

 natural order, and a view of the other genera be- 

 longing to it, the student may then turn to the Gram- 

 mar. Having become acquainted with what relates 

 to the genus of his plant, he will next compare his 

 specimen with all the specific characters under that 

 genus, till he ascertains its species, and confirms his 

 determination of its name by reading the particular 

 description, and consulting as many of the synonym^s, 

 or authors quoted, as he may have within his reach ; 

 thus finally becoming acquainted with all that is re- 

 corded concerning the plant he has gathered. 



With respect to the last mode of inquiry, I would 

 recommend a young botanist to be very sparing, 

 till he has settled his mind, respecting the species 

 before him, by its characters alone. Those who 

 are employed in instructing others, will find an ad- 

 vantage in keeping the attention of their pupils to 

 characters and definitions. By this their powers of 

 observation and discrimination will be strengthened. 

 They will know why they apply such a name to 

 each particular plant, and I know by experience 

 that species thus investigated are never forgotten. 

 The memory of the student may further be assisted 

 by drying and preserving competent specimens, not 

 mutilated fragments, of all his plants; which will 



