NAMED, AND STUDIED. 99 



317. Let us now introduce our pupils to the Popular Flora, by wliich they may 

 study the common plants they meet with, and find out their structure and their 

 names. 



Section IV. — How to study Plants by the Popular Flora. 



318. Directions for gathering Specimens to Examine. Gather specimens with flowers, 



flower-buds, and also with fruits, either forming or full grown, when all these are 

 to be had at the same time, as they frequently are, at least in herbs, except in 

 spring. Sometimes the remains of last year's fruit are to be found, enough to tell 

 what the kind of fruit was. Very often the nature of the fruit can be told before- 

 hand, from the pistil, either at flowering-time or soon after. However, most of 

 our common plants may be made out from the blossoms and leaves only. Small 

 herbs should be taken up by the roots. 



319. Specimens which are to be kept for some time, or carried to some distance 

 before they are studied, should be put at once into a close-shutting tin box, where 

 they will keep long without withering. Botanical boxes are made for the purpose. 

 A candle-box, or any tin box with a lid, and of convenient size for carrying, will 

 answer. 



;i20. For examining Plants to make out the structure of the flowers, fruits, &c., 

 the instruments most needed are, — 



A sharp, thin-bladed pocket-knife, such as a common penknife, for making sec- 

 tions or slices ; 



A pair of small forceps, which, although not always necessary, are very conven- 

 ient for holding little parts ; and 



A hand microscope or magnifying-glass, such as may be purchased for a dollar 

 or less. A single glass, mounted in horn, or in metal, and (for carrying in the 

 pocket) shutting into a case of tlie same material, which serves as a handle when 

 open, is the commonest and best for our purpose. 



A stand-microscope is a most convenient thing, when it can be had. This has a 

 glass stage under the lens or magnifying-glass, on which small flowers, or their 

 parts, may be laid. This leaves both hands free for dissecting or displaying 

 the minute parts, with needles mounted in handles, while the eye is examining 

 them under the microscope. Common needles, mounted in the bone handles used 

 for holding crochet needles, are very convenient, and cost little. A compound 



