it PREFACE. 
while it limits the distribution of the greater portion of the sub- 
tropical types that mingle in the Cape Flora, probably still retains 
in its unexplored wilds multitudes of interesting plants. This 
we infer from the fact that almost every small package of speci- 
mens received from the Natal, or the Transvaal district, contains 
not only new species but new genera ; and some of the latter are 
of so marked and isolated a character,:as to lead us to infer the 
existence in the same region of unknown types that may better 
connect them with Genera or Orders already known. 
It is not intended at present to enter into details on the geo- 
graphical distribution of South African plants, or the relations 
between the South African Flora and that of other countries 
having a nearly similar climate. Whilst the work is in pro- 
gress, new collections of plants continue to be received, render- 
ing it impossible to prepare a satisfactory geographical intro- 
duction, until the descriptive portion has been finished. At 
the conclusion of the work the authors propose to give a 
general introduction, which will embrace the geographical rela- 
tions of the Flora, and include a summary of the labours of 
botanical explorers in South Africa, and of the various treatises 
that have been written on South African plants, 
It is scarcely possible to say definitely to what number of 
volumes the descriptive matter may extend. That it will re- 
quire at least five volumes of the size of this first volume seems pro- 
bable ; and these can scarcely be completed in less than ten years. 
Within that time the authors anticipate, from their numerous 
friends and correspondents in the Colonies, so much additional 
information on South African botany, that probably a consider- 
able supplement may be needed to the earlier volumes. If their 
undertaking meet with approval after its completion equal to 
the encouragement with which they have already been favoured 
by the Colonial Government, and by private individuals in the 
colony, they will have received the best and most grateful reward 
of their labours. 
The authors desire here most prominently to record their deep 
sense of the confidence reposed in them, and the essential aid ex- 
tended to their work, by the Parliament of Sduth Africa, which, 
on the proposal of the Governor General, has, by a liberal grant 
