INTRODUCTION. 
of botany is, that it presents the plants in groups ; each group consisting of plants which resemble one 
another in all their external features, as well as in their internal structure and properties. Hence, if 
any one knows at sight a plant belonging to any one group, he will have a general idea of all the other 
plants belonging to it. The advantage of this to a person who is beginning the study of plants, or who 
has even no higher ambition than to learn the names of a few of them, may truly be said to be 
incalculable ; as whenever he sees a new plant, he has only to consider what group it most resembles, 
to be able to form a general idea of all that is necessary to be known respecting it. As the interest 
felt in flowers is much increased when we know something of their structure, and of the functions 
which the several parts are destined to perform, I would advise such of my readers as have leisure for 
the pursuit, and as are not already acquainted with the subject, to study Dr. Lindley's Ladies' Botany, 
in which they will find the rudiments of the science explained in a most elegant and agreeable maimer ; 
and so clearly, as to divest botany of that harsh repulsive form, in which it appears " to those who only 
know it through the uninviting medium of systematic works." 
For the benefit of those who have studied the Linnsean System, the class and order to which each 
plant belongs according to Linnaeus, or the latest improvements on his system, will be given imme- 
diately after the botanic and English names. 
A glossary of the botanic terms used in the work will be given at the end of the volume ; and in the 
mean time, the most difficult will be explained the first time each word occurs. An alphabetical list of 
the authorities, explaining the abbreviations, such as L. for Linnaeus, Dec. for De CandoUe, &c., will 
be subjoined to the glossary ; and there will be a copious index to the whole work. 
J. W. L. 
Bayswatek, 
October 1st, 1849. 
