PREFACE 
TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
The former edition of this work was presented to the public with 
many fears and much hesitation ; the favorable reception which it re- 
ceived, was therefore gratifying, in proportion as it was unexpected. 
The encouraging voice and approving smile of onr fellow travellers in 
the journey of life, have a powerful influence in exciting us to greater 
etlorts ; and while the virtuous mind would fear to indulge in an inor- 
dinate love of human applause, it must feel that the approbation of 
the good on earth, is a pledge of that higher reward which awaits it 
hereafter. T hese Lectures, although written with a view to teach 
science, have yet a higher aim, that of leading the youthful mind to 
view the wisdom, power and goodness of the Almighty, as manifested 
in his creation — and no commendation which this work has received, 
has been so gratifying to its author, as that, which has ascribed to it 
a religious tendency. 
Since the publication of this elementary work, the science of which 
it treats has been introduced, as a study, into many of our principal 
female seminaries ; and in the various applications for teachers, which 
are made to this institution from different parts of the country, an ac- 
quaintance with Botany is now, often made an indispensable qualifica- 
tion. It was the difficulty of procuring a female instructer in this 
department which led the author of these lectures to apply herself to 
the study of a science, whose beauties until recently have been con- 
cealed from general observation. 
lu this edition .care has been taken to profit by the remarks of teach- 
ers and others who have used the work. A full index for the purpose 
of convenient reference has been added, and also a table of contents, 
winch, through mistake, was omitted in the former edition. In that 
edition it was remarked that all descriptions of genera and species of 
plants were quoted from Eaton's Manual , with the consent of the 
Professor, and mostly from liis own selection ; at the request of teachers 
;uid others some additions are now made to this department ; these 
ire from Persoon, Torrey and Eaton. The author for tins part of the 
work is indebted to the assistance of a scientific friend. 
The Physiological department is rendered more full, by additional 
remarks upon the growth of plants, circulation of fluids, MirbeVs 
arrangements of fruits, &c. The wood cuts which are now added 
to the engravings, will, it is thought, be found useful for purposes of 
illustration. The analysis of subjects is now placed at the bottom of 
each page, as being there, more convenient for reference, than at the 
end of the book. 
To some scientific gentlemen, who in condescending to notice so un- 
pretending a volume, have suggested the propriety of rendering it more 
