THE NATURAL SYSTEM. 69 



of which it is composed, namely, monocotyledons, dicoty- 

 ledons, and acotyledons, are again subdivided according to 

 their natural characteristics, and placed in families. It 

 must be remembered that exceptions exist to most rules. 

 Thus it may happen that the parallel veins of a leaf 

 apparently indicate that it belongs to the monocotyledons, 

 yet its other characteristics may class it with the dicoty- 

 ledons. The comparison of all points, where possible, is 

 the best mode of proceeding in such cases. The majority 

 of those characteristics determine the nature of the plant, 

 though one or more of them may occasionally be wanting. 

 Procure specimens of seeds, leaves, stems, etc., and test 

 them by this method. The student can then proceed to 

 acquire a knowledge of the Natural System in its entirety. 

 As the construction of the principal groups is studied, 

 inspection of living specimens will assist the memory. By 

 such practical work it is quite possible to become a fair 

 botanist, without the fatigue of acquiring a host of terms 

 serviceable only to the professional botanist or scientist. 



If the student requires further information respecting any 

 of the plants to which common names are given in this 

 book, a reference to the Glossary will in most cases give its 

 botanical name, for facility of reference to more exhaustive 

 works on the orders of plants. In searching for such infor- 

 mation, the Glossary must be referred to according to the 

 first initial letter in the common name. Thus, native 

 cherry will be found under the letter N ; the true cherry 

 under C. 



