iV INTRODUCTION. 
published ; comprehending, besides all the genera and species which have been published 
up to the present time, descriptions of numerous plants never before published, and derived 
chiefly from the Lambertian Herbarium. The characters of all the genera and species are 
derived either from the plants themselves, or from the original authorities where authentic 
specimens could not be procured. 
The object of the present work is to give a complete history and description of every 
species of plant hitherto known, in an easy and intelligible form, so as to enable even 
beginners in the science to understand it fully, and to ascertain without difficulty not only 
the name and history, but also the characters and affinities of any genus or species, together 
with its properties and best modes of culture and propagation. The first two pages 
of the present volume contain an outline of the System, with explanatory drawings 
by Mr. Hart, engraved on wood by Mr. Sly; and a complete account of each order 
will be found in its proper place, illustrated also by drawings; while the peculiar 
features which separate the different families, genera, and species from each other have 
been carefully pointed out, with their respective qualities and properties. A synopsis 
of the genera, with their essential characters, follows the description of each order, 
and where the genera are numerous, they have been divided into tribes, which will 
greatly assist the reader in his examination of them. Ina subsequent part of the work, 
a full and comprehensive description of each genus will be found, including the de- 
rivation of the names ; and when these are derived from the Greek language, the original 
is given both in Greek and Roman letters, for the assistance of such of our readers as are 
unacquainted with the Greek characters. The proper accentuation of each name is also 
given. Where the species are numerous, they have, for the sake of convenience, been 
distributed into sections marked thus, Sect. I. Sect. II. &c.: they are occasionally divided 
again into subsections, marked thus, § 1., § 2., &c. : and sometimes they are still further distin- 
guished by sub-divisions marked by stars, thus, * * * signifying 1, 2, &e. The names of the 
species are given with their original authorities, which are followed by their distinguishing 
characters, and with the usual signs indicative of the habit or duration of each species, 
whether tree, shrub, perennial, biennial, or annual; their habitation in the garden, whether 
hardy, frame, greenhouse, or stove, &c.; their native countries, and, as far as possible, the 
districts in which they are found, are noticed; followed by the synonymes, and any other 
particulars which are likely to assist the student, such as the colour of the flower, &c. 
The description of each species is followed by a line containing the literal translation of 
the name in italic characters, and the English name (where such exists) ; the time of flower- 
ing ; and the date of the introduction of such as are grown in the British gardens ; the height 
to which the plant, shrub, or tree commonly grows, and if a climber or twiner ; thus: 
Long-leaved Rock-rose. Fl. J une, August. Clt. 1790. Shrub 3 feet high. 
