iv PREFACE. 
the book is intended to be merely the guide, and that a sim- 
ple conning and recitation of its pages will give but a poor 
return indeed. Every effort should be made to have the 
pupil see things for himself. To aid him in this, numerous 
“practical studies” are introduced after the principal 
topics, and it is urged upon teacher and pupil that as much 
use be made of them as possible. Indeed, it would be an 
excellent plan to use the “studies” alone as a guide in a 
course of practical work. 
Cc. E. B. 
July 8, 1884. 
PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. 
In this edition but fow changes have been made, the 
most important being the additions to the “ Practical 
Studies” here and there, and the correction of typographi- 
cal errors. 
C. E. B. 
UNIVERSITY oF NrBRaska, 
February 20, 1885, 
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 
In response to a demand a new chapter has been added, 
in this edition, on the Gross Anatomy of Flowering Plants. 
It will introduce the beginner to the study of the organs 
and members of the plant body, and enable him to begin 
the use of any ordinary botanical manual or flora for the 
identification of the species of flowering plants. 
C. KE. B, 
Dniverstry or NEBRASKA, 
March 1, 1886, 
