PREFACE. 
v 
to be generally understood, that the memory may be burdened without 
improving the other intellectual faculties, and that the best method of 
teaching, is that which tends most to develope, fertilize, and strengthen 
the mind. 
A small text book, in a dry, concise style, may answer very well 
where a teacher has leisure and ability to amplify and explain ; thus 
supplying to the pupils the want of an interesting book : yet with all 
this labour on the part of a teacher, a book containing interesting illus- 
trations, would be desirable. But many teachers have neither the 
time, nor the confidence in themselves, to attempt to enlarge or illus- 
trate : considering their duty as terminating in a faithful explanation 
of the book from which their pupils study. 
It is desirable that school books should be easy to teach , and easy to 
learn. 
The essentials for these purposes are, 
1st. A clear and methodical arrangement of subjects. 
2d. Perspicuity of language. 
3d. A pleasing style, and interesting illustrations. 
Whether I have attained to this standard, it remains for experi- 
ence to determine.. 
But much as I have desired to aid the youthful mind in acquiring 
the elements of knowledge, still more have I desired to lead that mind 
to the fountain of all knowledge, to teach it to behold the providence 
of God as ever ac*ive, and watchful over all, even the least of his 
works. 
I am greatly indented to the kindness of Dr. Robbins, who amidst 
the fatigue of professional duties, has performed a service, for which, 
by long and close study of the ancient languages, he is peculiarly well 
qualified, that of accenting the genera and species of plants annexed 
to these lectures. This it is believed will prove of great utility both 
to teachers and pupils ; for without some guide, those who are unac- 
quainted with the principles of accentuation in the Latin and Greek 
languages, are liable to many mistakes in pronouncing botanical 
names. 
The plates which accompany this work, have been taken from draw- 
ings, executed expressly for this purpose by Miss Thirza Lee, teacher 
of drawing in the Seminary. 
1 * 
