PREFACE. 
Regarding the Linngean system as the key to botanical science, 
the Author has in the beginning sought to instruct the student in 
its use ; while in the temple to which it gives access, will be 
found exhibited in distinct lineaments the panorama of the 
nattiral system. 
This work professes to be of itself a hotanical library, suffi- 
ciently full in each department for all purposes of a class-book, 
or for the private student. Such was the object proposed in its 
first publication — as such it has been extensively and generally 
used throughout the United States. 
The following extracts from a letter of the Hon. "Wm. Darling- 
ton, M.D., to the Author, show the opinion of one of the first 
botanists of the age as to the respective merits of the Linnsean 
Bystem and the Natural Method : — 
"I entirely concur with you in considering the Linncea/n meth- 
od as the easiest and most agreeable guide to the first steps oi 
the learner, and would always so employ it. But as it only in- 
troduces one to what may be called a spealcing acquaintance 
with plants, — merely enabling the student to call them hy name 
when he meets with them, without teaching any thing of their 
real character^ or presenting any inducement to inquire after 
their relations, — I incline to think that all those who wish to 
make any substantial progress in the knowledge of the vegetable 
creation, should pay an early attention to those essential features 
and characteristics which enable the attentive observer to group 
kindred plants into natural families. There is a gratification in 
tracing the affinities between kindred individuals, quite equal to 
the pleasure of detecting the discrepancies which serve to dis- 
tinguish them ; and it is the intelligent contemplation of hoth 
these aspects of the floral kingdom which constitutes the delight 
of the true Botanist. 
" From these remarks, you will perceive that my own opinion, 
gradually maturing under the observations and reflections ot 
nearly half a century, is in favor of employing the Linncean 
method for initiating young heginners^ and awakening a taste 
for the study of plants ; but that the natural arrangement should 
be held up as the only one compatible with a thorough under- 
standing and truly scientiflc view of the vegetable kingdom. 
Such was the doctrine of the immortal Swede himself; and such 
I understand to be your own opinion of the intrinsic merits of 
the two systems. 
" I think your work well calculated to attract beginners, and 
especially young ladies, to the study, by conducting them in the 
mbsrt agreeable way to the vestibule of the botanical temple, and 
.nat is all that any class-hooh professes to do, or can do." 
