INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 3 



alarming in the mass of preliminary knowledge which 

 it would appear has to he acquired before any per- 

 ceptible progress can be made. 



But if we look at the subject a little more closely, 

 we shall find that, of the technical names employed, 

 only a small number is really necessary in the be- 

 ginning ; that minute parts are little consulted in 

 practice, however much they may be in theory ; and 

 that in consequence of the perfect arrangements of 

 Botanists, no more inconvenience is experienced from 

 the number of species, than in any other branch of 

 Natural History. 



There are certain terms, the exact meaning of which 

 must be understood, and which cannot be dispensed 

 with, if the science is to be studied to any good purpose ; 

 a sort of habit of observation has also to be acquired, 

 without which the differences between one plant and 

 another, can never be appreciated or remembered ; 

 but these things may be gained imperceptibly and 

 without any extraordinary exertion either of in- 

 dustry or patience. We have only to begin with the 

 beginning, and never to take one step till that which 

 precedes it is secured ; afterwards, the student may 

 advance to what point he pleases. This appears to 

 me to be the only secret in teaching Botany. 



We must, however, be careful while we attempt to 

 strip the study of its difficulties, that we do not also 

 divest it of its interest, and imitate those who, by the 

 ingenious substitution of words for ideas, have contrived 

 to convert one of the most curious and interesting of 

 all sciences into a meagre and aimless system of names. 



B 2 



