PREFACE. 



The relationship of the ivory palms has long been the subject of 

 doubt and indecision among botanists. In his various expeditions 

 to tropical America in the interest of agriculture Mr. Cook has 

 been able to make extensive observations on the various groups of 

 palms, including. Manicaria, apparently the nearest relative of the 

 ivory palms. This has given him important firsthand information 

 bearing on the question of family relationships. 



Frederick V. Coville, 

 Curator of the United States National Herbarium. 



