27 AUGUST 1831, Page 21

The popular description of the Indigenous Plants of Lanarkshire, with

an introduction to the study of Botany, is an elementary work on an excellent plan. If what Mr. PATRICK has done for his own county were done for every county or district in the kingdom, botany would be learned in the most easy and practical method in the world. If, instead of taking a voluminous work which pretends to describe all the productions of the earth, a youth were to take a book of elements illustrated by the specimens which grow about his own door, he would soon be in a condition to extend his in- quiries. The method of JACOTOT is universally applicable. Begin with a little and learn that well—thoroughly—so that it may not be forgotten; and refer to that nucleus all other after-acquired knowledge. To a youth of Lanarkshire or its neighbourhood, we should say, Take this as a text-book, and you will soon be a botanist. Will anybody do the same for Kent, or Surry, or Sus- ex, and again for Hertfordshire and Essex ?