NAMED, AND STUDIED. 
99 
317. Let us now introduce our pupils to the Popular Flora , by which they may 
study the common plants they meet with, and find out their structure and their 
names. 
Section IV. — How to study Plants by the Popular Flora. 
318. Directions for gathering Specimens to Examine. Gather specimens with flowers, 
flower-buds, and also with fruits, either forming or full grown, when all these are 
to be had at the same time, as they frequently are, at least in herbs, except in 
spring. Sometimes the remains of last year’s fruit are to be found, enough to tell 
what the kind of fruit was. Very often the nature of the fruit can be told before¬ 
hand, from the pistil, either at flowering-time or soon after. However, most of 
our common plants may be made out from the blossoms and leaves only. Small 
herbs should be taken up by the roots. 
319. Specimens which are to be kept for some time, or carried to some distance 
before they are studied, should be put at once into a close-shutting tin box, where 
they will keep long without withering. Botanical boxes are made for the purpose. 
A candle-box, or any tin box with a lid, and of convenient size for carrying, will 
answer. 
320. For examining Plants to make out the structure of the flowers, fruits, &c., 
the instruments most needed are,— 
A sharp, thin-bladed pocket-knife, such as a common penknife, for making sec¬ 
tions or slices; 
A pair of small forceps, which, although not always necessary, are very conven¬ 
ient for holding little parts ; and 
A hand microscope or magnifying-glass, such as may be purchased for a dollar 
or less. A single glass, mounted in horn, or in metal, and (for carrying in the 
pocket) shutting into a case of the same material, which serves as a handle when 
open, is the commonest and best for our purpose. 
A stand-microscope is a most convenient thing, when it can be had. This has a 
glass stage under the lens or magnifying-glass, on which small flowers, or their 
parts, may be laid. This leaves both hands free for dissecting or displaying 
the minute parts, with needles mounted in handles, while the eye is examining 
them under the microscope. Common needles, mounted in the bone handles used 
for holding crochet needles, are very convenient, and cost little. A compound 
