I. Introduction. 
The use of the Tables. 
In order to find out the name of a plant,—to determine 
the plant—it is necessary to seek first the class, then the genus 
and lastly the species. 
It is evident that all pains are lost, if the class is not found 
or has been mistaken. To commence then—supposing that we 
have before us a phanerogamous plant—we do not begin by 
counting the stamens, as is often done, but we first of all see 
if the flowers are hermaphrodite or unisexual , i. e. if both 
stamens and styles are found in the same flower, or only 
styles. Taking the first case, for example, we next see whether 
the stamens are united among themselves, or to the style, or if 
they are free, &c. 
If the plant in question is found to belong to the 5th class, 
it is necessary to turn to the tables for determining the genus, 
page 1, commencing with the number 1 on the left hand side 
of the page, we see whether it has 1, 2, 3 or several styles 
(or stigmas). If, for example, it has one style, the figure 2 on 
the right hand side leads to the 2 on the left, where we must see 
whether the floral envelope is composed of a calyx and a co¬ 
rolla, or if it is simple. Thus, through a series of alternatives, 
we arrive by degrees at the name of the genus. 
The figure following the name of the genus leads, in 
the next place, to the tables for determining the species. 
It is advisable to read both of the alternatives before com¬ 
paring; for often—especially in the case of beginners—the 
precise signification of one alternative is not distinct without 
the other. -In many cases the fruit is indispensable for the 
determination; consequently it is always necessary in gathering 
a plant in flower, to see if there is not another specimen in 
which the fruit is already developed. This rule applies espe¬ 
cially to the cruciferce and umbelliferce. In the same way the 
subterranean parts such as the root, root-stock, bulb, or tubercle, 
are often of primary importance. 
The name of each species is accompanied by a remark on 
its frequency and distribution in Switzerland; this will be found 
to be of great service to beginners. The species marked with 
distrib. (distributed) are found throughout the whole country. 
