for convenient use. This work was the "Lessons
in Botany," a book which has been a great aid throughout the country,
in introducing students to a knowledge of the principles of the
science. Without referring to other educational works prepared by Dr.
Gray, such as "How Plants Grow," etc., it suffices now to say that
for two or three years, he had been convinced that there was need of
a hand-book, different in essential particulars from any of its
predecessors. When we remember that all of these had been very
successful from an educational point of view, as well as from the more
exacting one of the publishers, we can understand how strong must have
been the motive which impelled the venerable but still active botanist
to give a portion of his fast-flying time to the preparation of
another elementary work. In answer to remonstrances from those who
believed that the remnant of his days should be wholly given to the
completion of the "Synoptical Flora," he was wont to say pleasantly,
"Oh, I give only my _evenings_ to the 'Elements.'" And, so, after
a day's work, in which he had utilized every available moment of
sunlight, he would turn with the fresh alertness which has ever
characterized every motion and every thought, to the preparation of
what he called fondly, his "legacy" to young botanists. That precious
legacy we have now before us.

In form it is much like the Lessons, but more compact and yet much
more comprehensive. Its conciseness of expression is a study in
itself. To give it the highest praise, it may be said to be French in
its clearness and terseness. Not a word is wasted: hence, the author
has been able to touch lightly and still with firmness every important
line in this sketch of the principles of botany. This work, in the
words of its author, "is intended to ground beginners in Structural
Botany and the principles of vegetable life, mainly as concerns
Flowering or Phanerogamous plants, with which botanical instruction
should always begin; also to be a companion and interpreter to the
Manuals and Floras by which the student threads his flowery way to a
clear knowledge of the surrounding vegetable creation. Such a book,
like a grammar, must needs abound in technical words, which thus
arrayed may seem formidable; nevertheless, if rightly apprehended,
this treatise should teach that the study of botany is not the
learning of names and terms, but the acquisition of knowledge and
ideas. No effort should be ma