iv PBEFACB. 



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. 



C. E. B. 

 July 8, 1884. 



PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION. 



In the Second Edition, which appeared in 1885, some 

 minor additions and a few corrections were made. In the 

 Third Edition (in 1886) there was added the introductory 

 chapter on the gross anatomy of the flowering plants, de- 

 signed to fit the student to begin the use of the ordinary 

 botanical manuals for the identification of flowering plants. 

 To the Fourth Edition (in 1888) the Appendix was added 

 containing lists of systematic manuals and monographs. 

 In the present edition the Pond-scum Parasites and Gall- 

 fungi are included, while the Insect-fungi are transferred 

 from the Oophytes to the Zygophytes, and the Yeast- 

 plants are regarded as degraded Sac-fungi. 



C. E. B. 



Univbesitt of Nkbeaska, 

 IiiNOOLN, Jan. 9i 1893. 



