PREFACE. 11* 



In working up this Flora, I have had the great advantage, in every 

 doubtful case, of being permitted to consult Mr. Bentham and Dr. J. 

 D. Hooker, whose large acquaintance with the flora of tropical Africa, 

 especially of the western coast, already studied by them in the prepara- 

 tion of the • Flora Nigritiana,' has enabled them to afford me very mate- 

 rial assistance. To Dr. Hooker I am further obliged for the monograph 

 of the genus Irnpatiens. I had hoped that a considerable portion of this 

 Flora might have been worked up by him, but numerous official engage- 

 ments and the publication of the ' Genera Plantarum,' in conjunction 

 with Mr. Bentham, have altogether prevented his taking a larger and 

 direct part in this work. The preparation, however, for the * Genera 

 Plantarum,' so greatly facilitates the elaboration of such works as the 

 present, that, indirectly, both Messrs. Bentham and Hooker have largely 

 contributed to the present volume. To my friend Dr. M. T. Masters, 

 F.L.S., and to my colleagues in the Herbarium, Mr. J. G. Baker, F.L.S., 

 and Mr. "W. B. Hemsley, I am also much indebted, for so kindly under- 

 taking the monographs of the various Orders to which their names are 

 affixed. 



D. 0. 



