PREFACE. 
“ A preface,” says Smellie, the author of the “ Philosophy ol' Natur- 
al History,” “should contain an account of the circumstances and 
motives which induced an author to write upon that particular sub- 
ject.” The origin of the present volume, may be briefly traced. In 
the course of some years, devoted in part to the study of Botany, and 
with the charge of a large class, I found the want of a suitable book 
for beginners, and prepared for the use of my pupils a sketch, of which 
the following pages are but the filling up. The pupils were in the 
practice of copying the manuscript, but it required much time, and 
some of them expressed a wish that they might have the same in a 
printed form. With respect to botanical facts, I have no claim to any 
discoveries, neither have I ventured to make any innovations upon the 
science itself. The works of Mirbel, Demerson, Rosseau, St. Pierre, 
Smith, Thornton, Woodville, Eaton, Torrey, Bigelow, Nuttall, Elliot, 
Barton, Bartram, Sumner, and Locke ; Encyclopedias and the Journal 
of Science, have been consulted. For the style, whatever may be its 
merits, or its faults ; the arrangement of the work, and the application 
of botanical facts to the mind, either with a view of strengthening its 
reasoning faculties, or of inspiring devout affection, I consider myself 
as responsible. I have not intentionally copied from any work, with- 
out giving credit to the author. The History of botanical science, is 
in part translated from Mirbel’s Elemens dc Botanique. 
The description of the genera and species of plants, with the Natural 
Orders of Linnaeus and Jussieu, have been furnished me by Professor 
Eaton, to whom my thanks for this, and other kind offices are justly 
due. 
It has been customary among botanical writers, to consider under 
separate heads, the physiology, anatomy, and classification of plants. 
This division, although proper in minute investigations upon physiol- 
ogy and anatomy, seems not well adapted for a school book. I have 
not therefore attempted to keep the departments separate. 
This work has been prepared in -intervals from duties connected 
with this institution, and while instructing in such branches of educa- 
tion, as required the best faculties of my mind ; it is larger than was 
at first designed : it may be urjred, that remarks are introduced not 
strictly connected with the subject, and that the substance of the book 
might be much condensed. In answer to this objection. I would remark, 
that from experience in teaching others, and from observation of the 
operations of my own mind, I am led to believe that books most re- 
markable for a concise style, are not the most favourable for the de- 
velopement of the mind.’ If a book is to be committed to memory, 
every word, member of a sentence, or idea, not absolutely essential, 
should be. excluded : but tins fact with regard to education seems now 
