Zr, j Xiv\ 
_ ^ Jimual MeeUng. February, 1933. 
In a broad sense there are three main divisions: — 
1. The \'egetable Kingdom 
2. The Animal Kingdom. 
3. The Mineral Kingdom. 
The interested nature-lover wants to choose first of all Aviiich 
of these three appeals most. When that is decided, then a more 
detailed examination can be made of the particular 'Mcingdom”’ 
dioscn. 
1. THE \ EGETABLE KIXGDOAJ is concerned with plant life 
and covers tlic forms from tlie minute alga living a commensaf 
life with a fungus, the combination being what we call a lichen* 
to the tallest trees of the forest. There arc many ways in which 
plant life may be studied and they include the following: — 
A FORM, or externa] structure (morphology). — -This ivS 
the recognition of the various forms assumed b^' the 
growing plant. 'Fhc shape, size, and number of the 
various organs in comparison with others of the same 
.class is included in this branch. This study gives system 
' to the vegetable kingdom and simplifies the work of the 
botanist in identifying the various plants. 
B IXd'ERXAL STRl CTldlE deals with cells which make 
up the plant tissues. I'he study of this part of botany 
is perhaps more vast and certainly more intricate than 
tliat of the outward form and requires the aid of tiie 
microscope. There are tlie cell forms for the various 
work to be performed; the cell contents — some for sap 
conveying, some for storing food, some for strengthen- 
ing the plant, some for reproducing themselves and 
others for manufacturing food by the aid of sunlight. 
There are many other wonderful things to learn 
of cel! structure all of which are very fascinating. 
C PHY SIOLOGY is the science of the normal functions 
and phenomena of living things — and this applies to 
plants. In connection with vegetation there are the 
functions of breathing, which create man\' adaptions 
on account of the various habitats or situations In which 
they grow; the absorption of water which is so neces- 
sary to plant growth, the means used by the plants to 
regulate the supph' a<;cordjng to the physica'I conditions 
surrounding them; how and why these functions are 
carried out comes under tins heading and books (not 
merely papers) are necessary to explain all this. 
