6 
TO TEACHERS. 
having seen in what respects their plant agrees with each general divi- 
sion, and differs from each genus under the section in which it is found, 
they ascertain its generic name. They should be taught in the same 
manner to trace out its species : they will perceive at each step some new 
circumstance of resemblance or difference, until they come to a species, 
the description of which answers to the plant under consideration. 
Technical terms should be explained as the pupil proceeds. The ad- 
vantage in this kind of explanation, over that of any abstract idea, is, that 
it is manifested to the senses of the pupils by the object before them. If 
a teacher attempt to define the words reascm, will, &c., or any other ab- 
stract terms, there is danger that the pupil may, from misunderstanding 
the language used in the explanation, obtain but a very confused and im- 
perfect idea of the definition ;— and, indeed, what two philosophical writers 
give to abstract terms the same definition ? Though mankind do not, in 
the purely mental operations, exhibit an entire uniformity, yet, in their 
external senses, they seldom disagree. A flower which appears to one 
person to be composed of six petals, with corolla bell-form, and of a 
yellow color, is seen to be so by another. Pupils who find it difficult to 
understand their other studies (which in early youth are often too ab- 
stract), are usually delighted with this method of analyzing plants , they 
feel that they understand the whole process by which they have brought 
out the result, and perhaps, for the first time, enjoy the pleasure of cleai 
ideas upon a scientific subject. 
It is necessary, before the meeting of the class, to have a suitable 
number of plants collected, so that all may have specimens. In ex- 
amining pupils as they proceed in their study, each one, besides reciting 
a lesson, should be required to give an analysis of one or more plants ; 
sometimes the whole class having similar flowers ; at others, permission 
being granted to pupils to bring any plant they choose. At public ex- 
aminations, the extemporaneous analysis of plants is a satisfactory method 
of testing a knowledge of the subject. With respect to those portions 
of the work to which attention should most particularly be paid, much 
must be left to the judgment of the teacher. Whatever relates to modes 
of classification, and makes part of a system, should be noted r many 
remarks, illustrations, and quotations, designed for reading, are given in 
small type. 
The analysis at the bottom of each page is designed rather to suggest 
the leading subjects, than as a form of questions ; for every experienced 
teacher must perceive the importance of varying his mode of questioning. 
As soon as he is somewhat advanced in the knowledge of plants, tlie 
pupil should be induced to form in his mind associations according to 
the Natural Alliances; and m. herbaria it is better to arrange the plaiitii 
by Natural Orders. 
