. Preparation of a Herbarium, or Hortus 
Siccus. 
In prosecuting the knowledge of botany, it is recom- 
mended to the student, after being familiar with the 
terms and definitions, to compare, with the descrip- 
tions, those plants, the names of which he is acquain- 
ted with, or has an opportunity of learning from others* 
This preliminary exercise, as it may be called, will 
greatly abridge his labours, and enable him with- more 
certainty and facility to refer to the class, orders genus, 
and species, such plants as are new or unknown to him. 
In botanical excursions a greater number of objects 
present themselves than can be conveniently examined 
on the spot ; but by collecting plants in their own na- 
tive soil and situation, many facts relative to their 
natural history are discovered ; and for the purpose of 
subjecting them at leisure to future investigation, they 
are put up carefully in a close tin box, that those parts 
on which the characters depend may remain fresh and 
entire. The zeal of the enthusiast in botany is not to 
be limited by times or seasons ; he will not fail to grasp 
at the objects of his pursuit when they are in his power ; 
but when it is equally convenient, plants intended to be 
preserved are best collected in dry weather ; and, when 
it can be accomplished, specimens in flower and in seed 
ought to be selected, that all the characteristic parts 
may be seen. 
