PREFACE 



THE origin and scope of the present book will be found 

 fully indicated in the Introduction, so that it is not 

 needful to refer to them here. One change in the original 

 scheme of the work has been made during its passage through 

 the press, viz. the inclusion of an additional chapter from the 

 pen of Prof. F. O. Bower dealing with the life of the late 

 Sir Joseph Hooker. Our veteran botanist passed away on 

 Dec. 10, 1911, in his 95th year, and in him botany loses its 

 outstanding personality as well as its principal link with the 

 past. The history of botany in this country during the 

 Victorian period, when it comes to be written, must of necessity 

 be woven around the life of this great man. 



For the excellent index to the book the reader is indebted 

 to Dr E. de Fraine, whose qa.re and good judgment in this 

 matter will be fully appreciated. 



F. W. O. 



October, 1912 



