PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
105 
science, 170 of them are occupied, and must be learned, before essential cha¬ 
racters—or such as will enable you to discover the name of a plant—are even 
noticed. 
In these lectures we purpose to use no technical terms (those peculiar? to the 
science) without their corresponding ideas,—such ideas given either by living 
specimens or drawings. We will never, if possible, make use of signs previously 
to the things signified. Terms of art are always a hinderance to the student, 
unconnected with the objects to which they refer. Place these before the eye, 
and the common principles of association will always bring them together. To 
this end we shall teach the terms applied to different parts of the fructification, 
by placing them constantly before you. Of course something must be learnt 
respecting preliminary terms that shall convey accurate notions of such parts to 
the mind; but we do not intend giving you a dry catalogue of names merely ; 
for, in our mode of instruction, whilst acquiring these, a knowledge of the flower 
itself will be obtained, rendering your task easy and familiar, which otherwise 
would be tedious and, in all likelihood, unprofitable. 
As before stated, the great end we have in view is teaching you to observe , and 
to observe accurately. Begin at the beginning, and we shall no doubt pass on 
pleasantly together. 
After this introduction, the lecturer examined a few obvious and well-defined 
groups of plants, by means of drawings and dissections; thus conveying to his 
audience in a familiar manner a knowledge of all or most of the terms required 
previously to a clear understanding of the Linnsean system. 
The Liliaceous, the Cruciform, Papilionaceous, Labiate,Umbellate and Composite 
tribes, were minutely examined, occupying altogether three lectures of the course. 
In three or four hours as much or more knowledge, probably, was obtained, not 
only in nomenclature but in structure, as, unaided, or even in the ordinary plan, is 
often gained in as many months; the science being, by this means, shewn not to be a 
mere labour of memory, or a catalogue of hard names only, but a study of facts 
and observations, without which nothing either useful or pleasant can be obtained. 
The following observations concluded the third lecture :—To become botanists we 
must examine plants for ourselves; and, as it is necessary to learn the names of 
persons and things before we can talk about, or reason upon, them ; likewise to 
ascertain the meaning of words before we can apply or analyze them ; so the 
names of plants must be learnt, ere we examine their nature and properties. 
Though as yet acquainted only with masses, or characters of large and easily- 
understood groups of plants, yet these tribes comprehend one-fourth at least of 
the whole vegetable world. You have likewise obtained some insight into the 
mode and advantages of classification. Knowing the place a flower occupies in 
the great order of Nature, or even its artificial arrangement, will give you at the 
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