334 KEW GARDEN MUSEUM. 
the remark of an eminent dignitary of the English Church, who after a 
careful inspection of the contents said, ** Now I see, for the first time in 
my life, on a large scale, a practical application of the science of Botany.” 
In the publication of the following Catalogue and remarks, we would 
not conceal that we have another object in view besides giving instruc- 
tion, viz. that of showing our deficiencies, and presenting to our readers 
an opportunity, which many of them will be glad to embrace, of con- 
tributing numerous objects not here recorded, but which it is obvious 
will be prized and gratefully accepted in a Museum destined to exhibit 
all curious vegetable products and all which contribute to the wants a 
to the conveniences of Man. 
Already the Museum owes much of its value to the donations of 
friends. We cannot here allude especially to more than the ** Lawso- 
nian Collection," consisting of Vegetable Products of Scotland, which - 
formed a part of the Great Exhibition of 1851, presented by Messrs. 
Peter Lawson and Son, and on which they published a volume bearing 
the latter title, the various Indian products procured by Dr. Hooker 
during his Mission to Sikkim Himalaya, the produce of the Rice Paper 
plant from China from Dr. Bowring, raw material and prepared articles 
of Gutta Percha from the Gutta Percha Company, of Caoutchouc from 
the Company so named, of vegetable waxes, tallows, and oils from 
Messrs Price and Co., ete., etc. James Wetherell, Esq., H.B.M. Consul- 
General at Bahia, has sent many valuable collections from that country ; 
and here I must record the name of the Rev. Professor Henslow, who 
not only contributed various preparations of great interest and im- 
portance, but gave much advice and assistance in the arrangement of 
the Museum. The names of other donors are placed under the re- 
spective articles presented by them. 
. CHIEF CONTENTS OF THE MUSEUM, SYSTEMATICALLY AND 
BOTANICALLY ARRANGED. 
: Cr. I. DICOTYLEDONS or Exocens. 
Ord. RANUNCULACEX. Crowroot FAMILY. 
The Crowfoots, the Aconites, the Larkspurs, etc., are familiar ex- 
amples of this Natural Family, and they are remarkable for the virulent 
poison contained in so many of them, so that, though few or none are 
used as articles of food, a great many yield powerful medicinal sub- 
stances. All are herbaceous, with annual or perennial roots. Acrimony; 
