Vm PKEFACE. 



the plan of the Almighty and all-wise Creator. At the same 

 time, in all systems it is necessary to have artificial means to 

 aid in the study- of genera and species. Such means, like an 

 index, must be easily applied so as to assist the beginner in 

 his studies. It is only the Botanist, who has an extended 

 knowledge of the vegetation of the globe, who has examined 

 the effects produced on vegetation by climate and other cir- 

 cumstances of existence, and who has studied aberrant forms 

 in connection with natural orders, that can take a correct 

 view of the alliances of plants. 



The divisions of geographical and palseontological Botany 

 are still in an imperfect state, and are undergoing constant 

 changes from the discoveries of naturalists in various parts of 

 the world. All that has been attempted in this volume is to 

 give a very general outline of these subjects, and to call the 

 attention of the student to the points which still require 

 elucidation. In the Appendix will be found a description of 

 the microscope, of its use as an instrument of research in 

 histological Botany, and of the mode of making vegetable 

 preparations. There are also added directions as to the col- 

 lecting of plants and the formation of a herbarium, with hints 

 as to alpine travelling, and as to the examination of a country 

 in a botanical point of view. A full glossary of the ordinary 

 botanical terms is likewise given. 



The study of Botany is well fitted to call the observant 

 faculties into active exercise. It teaches the student to mark 

 the differences and resemblances between objects, and leads 

 to habits of correct observation and diagnosis. In the present 

 day there is a growing feeling of its importance in mental 



