INTEODUCTIO^ OR PREEATORY NOTICE^ 
♦ 
First let it be fully understood that this pamphlet is not issued 
with the presumptuous idea of its being superior to the hundred and 
one similar works. The compiler has been frequently urged to publish 
a full glossary of the terms used in botanic descriptions, and in com- 
plying with this request he has aimed at combining with a glossary a 
view of plant life in general. Thus, not only are explanations of the 
terms used to designate the various organs or parts of plants given, but 
some account will bo found of the functions of the organs themselves. 
In publishing works like the present in Queensland, one is under the 
disadrantage of not being able to obtain at a cheap rate the many 
illustration blocks which are always to be had in Europe, and a number 
of special plates scattered through a book does not answer the purpose. 
It is hoped, however, that the plan adopted of giving the name of the 
plant easily obtainable upon which the particular organ is proudnent, 
or which bears the particular form, will be almost as useful as the 
usual figure. Thus, for instance, the term “ Cynarrhoduin’^ is met 
■with, which, upon looking np the w'ord, will he found to be a name 
used to designate the fruit of the Eoso. Surely, to Avalk into a garden, 
gather the fruit off a rose-bush, bring it in and examine with the 
description herein given, will he far more instructive than even the 
very best of figures. The work being a compilation from every reliable 
source available, names of the various works and authors are not 
given ; large use has, however, been made of the works of Bentbam, 
Lindley, Henslow, Masters, De Bai‘y, and Cooke, as anyone conversant 
with their writings will observe. The whole object of the writer has 
been to try and smooth the way to a knowledge of botanical nomen- 
clature. It is hoped that this publication will prove a handy reference 
book upon botanical subjects, aud thus most useful to the student of 
that science when he may be so situated as not to be able to refer to 
a scientific library. 
Many of these notes are given Avith a view to assist school 
teachers, and particularly those residing in the country districts, to 
some of the more prominent distinctive characteristics of common 
plants. I am not advocating the teaching of botany, but it would be 
a comparatively easy matter for the teacher, Avheu the opportunity 
occurs, to point out to his pupils one or more of the marks by which 
one plant is known from another, and thus in a simple way eucoui’age 
the young to observe and thus obtain some slight knowledge of plant 
life. There is no other branch of natural history of equal importance 
to man as botany ; it aids the medical man, the artisan, and the tiller 
of the ground ; without it we should not be able to publish to the 
world the various vegetable products of a country in an intelligent 
manner. I would ask, therefore, the school teacher to obseiwe the 
common plants of the field, garden, forest, scrub, aud waters near to 
the school ground, and encourage his pupils to do likewise. Then in 
after years none of them would be found using the words of Carlyle^ 
