PREFACE.

N throwing together these separate studies in Plant Life, it has seemed best, while revising those already published, to add several chapters on subjects which should help to fill up the larger gaps in the series. No attempt is made to complete the series: the only thing aimed at is to give the more important types in a popular way, avoiding technicalities where ordinary language could be substituted, and where it could not, giving clear explanation of the terms.

It may be objected that an undue space has been allotted to the insectivorous plants: this was done, because so little has ever been attempted, beyond a few magazine articles, to popularize Darwin's work in this direction, and because the subject in itself is so curious and interesting.

The chapters and parts of chapters added to those already published in Scribner's Monthly, are Fungi and Lichens, Mosses, Corn and its Congeners, and Orchids. Part of the chapter on Fungi was pub lished some yeas ago in the Southern Review.

BERGEN POINT, N. J., Sept., 1883.

S. B. HERRICK.