COMMON NAMES FOR PLANTS 
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dent that the botanists alone cannot do this, for they have been 
trying it for :a long time — -and moreover, the scientific names 
meet all their wants; it is equally evident that it is not possible 
to accept lall the local common names. This effort must be 
made in a systematic manner in connection with a more general 
study of our local floras, both scientific and amateur. Two ways 
of reaching this result are here suggested : 
1. Restore systematic plant study in our high schools. The 
indoor “laboratory methods” employed in recent years in our 
secondary schools have failed to develop that deep interest in the 
living world about us which is of so much importance in scientific 
work, and which is indispensable in worth-while amateur efforts. 
The old-time botany, with all its faults (which were no greater 
than these of modern teaching, and most of which could be 
eliminated by the proper preparation of teachers), brought our 
young people in more direct contact with the living world, and 
gave them something which they could carry into ordinary life 
without the handicap of laboratory equipment. 
This kind of work would present an excellent opportunity for 
the more general use of standardized common names. 
2. Encourage the amateur study of local plants by members 
of existing organizations, or by societies organized for the pur- 
pose, in much the manner in which the Audubon societies have 
carried on the study of birds. If necessary, organize Asa Gray 
clubs, or encourage such study in connection with the conservation 
efforts which are now being made by so many organizations. 
Teach our young people to study our local plants without des- 
troying them. Many of the old-time students of birds thought 
it necessary to kill the bird to be studied, but today greater in- 
terest is taken in the study of the living bird. So, many who 
consider themselves students and lovers of plants destroy them ; 
they should be taught that greater satisfaction comes from the 
study and enjoyment of plants which are left undisturbed for 
repeated observations. 
The greater interest in, and knowledge of, plants resulting from 
such Organized effort will make it necessary to employ recognized 
common names more freely, making the knowledge of them 
more general, and their use consequently more accurate and 
more consistent. 
Department oe Botany 
State University oe Iowa 
