12 FLORA INDICA. 



•with accuracy the species of a plant, even when the whole genus 

 is well known ; much more is this the case in genera, many 

 of whose species are yet undiscovered; and most of all, m 

 those where the forms, though suificiently well known, are 

 liable to much variation. In the last case their determination 

 becomes a special study ; and when attempted without access 

 to authentic specimens, leads to inextricable confusion, and its 

 evil effects are not confined to specific botany, but extend to 

 all departments. 



The pages of our Indian Mora will supply numerous illus- 

 trations of these remarks, and we would direct the attention 

 of those commencing the study to the lesson to be derived 

 from these instructive errors ; for where the first botanists of 

 the day have failed, beginners cannot be expected to succeed. 

 It cannot be too strongly impressed upon all students of bo- 

 tany, that it is only after much preliminary study, and with 

 the aids of a complete library, and an herbarium contain- 

 ing authentic specimens of a very large proportion of known 

 species, that descriptive botany can be effectively carried out j 

 and it wotdd be well for science if this were fully understood 

 and acted upon. 



The prevailing tendency on the part of students of all 

 branches of natural history, to exaggerate the number of spe- 

 cies, and to separate accidental forms by trifling characters, is, 

 we think, clearly traceable to the want of early training in 

 accurate observation, and of proper instruction in the objects 

 and aim of natural science. Students are not taught to sys- 

 tematize on broad grounds and sound principles, though 

 this is one of the most difficult processes, requiring great 

 judgment and caution ; or, what is worse, they are led by the 

 example if not by the precepts of their teachers, to regard 

 generic and specific distinctions as things of little importance, 

 to be fixed by arbitrary characters, or according to accidental 

 circumstances. As a consequence, the study of systematic 

 botany is gradually taking a lower and lower place in our 

 schools; and, being abandoned by many of those who are 



