80 FLORA OF DALMATIA. 
in Germany. In order, therefore, to explore Dalmatia com- 
pletely, several years would be requisite. What hinderances, 
however, do the peculiarities of the country and its inhabitants 
present to the investigation of its productions! "The whole 
extent, along the boundaries of Bosnia, could only be exa- 
mined under the protection of a strong military guard; and 
the same is the case with the Vellebit and Buccovitza. Again, 
it is almost impracticable to enter the country bordering on 
Montenegro and the Catareser district. The coast is more 
accessible, and the islands most so of all; but even these are 
almost a terra incognita. Indeed, the ardent naturalist who 
should commence such an undertaking must prepare himself 
for extraordinary difficulties and privations. Neither shelter 
nor provisions will he receive;—even bread he must carry 
with him. A correct knowledge of the language of the coun- 
try, and the manners of the Morlaks, with recommendations 
for aid and protection, would be indispensable. Thus, though 
much labour has been lately devoted to exploring Dalma- 
tia, the day is yet distant when this object shall be accom- 
plished. The history of these examinations is briefly as 
follows. Whilst the country remained under the rule of 
Venice, individual travellers could hardly enter it;—still the 
celebrated names of Boccone, Donati, Wulfen, and Cyrillo, 
stand honourably connected with the natural history of Dal- 
matia. Since this province fell under the Austrian sceptre, 
the government of that country has exerted itself to explore 
its productions, and in the year 1802, M. Joseph Host and 
M. Von Schonus were permitted to travel there. Finally; 
the Emperor, who favours the study of botany, when he 
visited Dalmatia in 1816, took in his suite Dr. Portenschlag 
and a gardener; and instituted a scrutiny into the productions 
of Dalmatia. The very numerous discoveries which Porten- 
schlag made in so short a time, for he only staid two months 
in the country, and which death prevented his giving to the 
world, attracted considerable attention. A young Dalma- 
tian, Dr. Von Visiani, who was appointed an associate to the 
Botanical chair at Padua, on his occasional visits to his native 
