* 
THE HYGIENIC INFLUENCE 
OF PLANTS IN ROOMS. 
CHAPTEE I. 
INTRODUCTION. 
E XTLE reader, do not be alarmed ! 
If the title of this part of the volume 
suggests a dry discussion on the 
chemical properties of plants, or an 
elaborate disquisition concerning 
matters philosophic, believe that the Author has 
no intention of presuming so far on your indul¬ 
gence ! The purely scientific aspect of the question 
to be here discussed shall be very briefly set forth: 
for, whilst the Author feels that what follows 
must materially strengthen his ‘plea’ for Fern 
o 
