iv PREFACE. 
Experience has demonstrated that the larger plant-life 
problems can be interpreted only by such careful pre- 
liminary study as is herein indicated and honestly and 
faithfully accomplished. 
The microscope and other tools are simply aids to more 
thorough investigation of the material, and their manipu- 
lation ought to be mastered as early as possible and 
correct habits formed for their proper care. Note and 
drawing paper should be close at hand and ready for 
constant use. 
These directions for laboratory study are intended to 
be sufficiently clear to guide a student to a fairly com- 
plete notion of material which is properly presented. 
For a more satisfactory mastery of plant life this series 
of exercises should be supplemented by assigned refer- 
ence reading from good text-books, field study, class and 
lecture work, and, finally, carefully prepared theses, which 
include drawings and descriptions, giving the essential 
details of knowledge which has been obtained. 
The course is intended to occupy the laboratory time 
of a pupil for one year, and may be conveniently divided 
into two great themes, each of which will require half a 
year for its full presentation. These are, a history of the 
race from the lowest to the highest forms, dwelling upon 
the great principles of plant evolution and relationship, 
and the history of an individual seed plant in all its 
stages of growth. The order in which these themes are 
to be presented is a matter of secondary importance, to 
be governed largely by local conditions and requirements. 
Either may with propriety be given the precedence as the 
instructor shall select. 
A section on experiments and demonstrations, showing 
life phenomena of plants, will, it is hoped, be found a 
