PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION, ix 



leaving any matter imperfectly explained. The 

 intention is to place the lessons in such simple 

 form that any Teacher, though previously un- 

 acquainted with the principles of Botany, may find 

 -no difficulty in comprehending and explaining the 

 lessons ; using a black - board in copying the 

 diagrams, and causing the scholars to dissect some 

 of the specimens mentioned as examples. In this 

 manner the class can be prepared for more ad- 

 vanced botanical studies. When this elementary 

 work has been mastered, the student will have 

 acquired much botanical information in a gradual 

 and easy manner. He will have ascended the hill 

 of knowledge by gentle gradations. Looking back, 

 he will be surprised at the progress he has made, 

 and will feel encouraged to press onward. 



The primary object of these lessons being to 

 divest the botanical path of stumbling - blocks in 

 the form of 'too much learning,' it will be readily 

 understood that they do not profess to treat ex- 

 haustively of the seeds, leaves, flowers, etc., of the 

 different orders. A general knowledge of the con- 

 struction of plants having been imparted, the road 

 will be clear for studying the Linnsean and Natural 

 Systems of Botany as given in other works. An out- 

 line of these Systems will be found, however, towards 

 the end of this book. A Glossary is also appended, 



