MAR 26 1907 Gray Herbarium. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. Tuttle, Dennett & Chisholm, Printers. PREFACE. THE purpose of this work is, to furnish to young persons, to families, and inquirers generally, a convenient book of reference on Botany, one which may be practically useful, as well to the student who wishes to pursue the subject systematically, as to the casual reader or observer, who desires occasionally to consult some authority in relation to a particular point. To accomplish these ends, the work is divided into several parts, as follows: 1. The INTRODUCTION, which lays down the general principles of the science, and deserves an attentive perusal, particularly from those who wish to make themselves masters of the subject. 2. A GENERA OF PLANTS, showing their Classification. 3. A DICTIONARY OF PLANTS, Containing descriptions under an alphabetical arrangement, of several thousands of the most interesting trees, plants, and shrubs, of all countries, with particular notices of the most |