Excerpt from Analytical Keys to the Genera and Species of the Fresh Water Algæ, and the Desmidieæ of the United States: Founded on the Classification of the Rev. Francis Wolle's Monographs

A table of the kind will draw attention to the morphology of the object in a way that will lead not only to its proper classification, but to something much more important, the enlarging of the stu dent's powers of observation. Some of those that oppose the use of artificial keys are themselves compelled not only to page through an unfamiliar monograph, but in many instances to scan the pictures for the light they are groping after; and failing pictures they guess as to the character of the object from its resemblance to something te motely similar, and in the end, at great expense of time, and perhaps of temper, may get a clue that may lead them to the goal they have been so laboriously seeking. With the intelligent use of an artificial key the place, the character, and even so unimportant a matter as the name, can be rapidly obtained, and the student be led on to fur ther study and investigation.

It is always encouraging to feel that by one's efforts a way has been opened to further conquests, or even that a path has been cut to some previously unknown view. This the use of artificial keys always accomplishes. When the beginner feels that he can do some thing unaided he is inspired to do more. When he feels that he has travelled alone through some pathway in some department of natural science, he is anxious to go further. One step taken with the aid of an artificial key is sure to be an encouragement toward another. The powers of observation are increased. The ability to balance one thing against another is cultivated. In a word, an artificial key can be made one of the most important aids in the mental development of the beginner that can be imagined. The ob server that scoffs at these aids, the observer that refuses to take advantage of them, is doing a foolish thing and losing agood one.

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