PREFACE. v 
very useful and helpful feature of the work, and one that 
by means of numbered references may be constantly acces- 
sible to the student. It is not expected that all these 
experiments and demonstrations are to be performed by 
the student; the instructor may direct or perform the 
experiment before the class. 
The study of plants in their environment is so full of 
interest and has such an important bearing upon a full 
and complete comprehension of the plant as a living 
potential factor on the earth, that some suggestions re- 
garding field study are incorporated, and a sample outline 
of a possible existing region given as an aid in the work- 
ing out of this feature of ecological study. 
An artificial key for plant analysis has been added, 
together with a synopsis of the families represented. 
This key is not intended as a substitute for those of 
larger systematic works on Botany, but merely as an 
aid to enable the student to learn the names of some of 
our more interesting and common flowers without using 
another book. 
The spelling and botanical nomenclature adopted in this 
work is that preferred by the best and latest authorities. 
To those who have favored us with their friendly 
criticism we herewith make acknowledgment of our 
appreciations. 
THE AUTHORS. 
Curcaco, June, 1900. 
