PREFATORY NOTE. 
The present part completes the Manual of the Phanerogams and 
Pteridophytes of Western Texas, issued as the second volume of Contri- 
butions from the U. 8. National Herbarium, and contains the Apetale, 
Monocotyledone, and Pteridophyta. The great assistance furnished 
by Watson’s Bibliographical Index and Gray’s Synoptical Flora in the 
preparation of the previous parts was entirely lacking in this, and 
seattered monographs and lists have supplied our only information. 
In consequence of these conditions it has been impossible to present 
the material as satisfactorily as before, and this part of the manual 
gives most evidence that the publication is simply a bringing together 
of material which will prove of immediate service to local botanists 
and a convenience to all students of the North American flora, It is 
a matter of regret that the ranges of Texan plants can not be more 
definitely given; but many records are so meager that detailed intor- 
mation could not be furnished. It was also thought best, in this part, 
to conform as far as possible to the Rochester rules, although doubtless 
not all needful changes have been made. In this revision of names 
Dr. Elmon M. Fisher, one of my assistants, has been of great service. 
Mr. Frederick V. Coville has prepared the manuscript of the Juncacee, 
Prof. L. H. Bailey that of the genus Carer, Mr. L. H. Dewey that of 
the Graminew, and Prof. L. M. Underwood that of the Pteridophyta. 
JOHN M. COULTER. 
LAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY, 
Lake Forest, I. 
