PREFACE. 



" Beneatli the trees I sat 

 Among the flowers, and with the flowers I played." * 



Treating the subject thus lightly, I may hope to at- 

 tract some whose attention would shrink from the 

 study of more laboured treatises and the ardent 

 enquirer, if he accompanies me for excitement, will find 

 abundant works before the public, where the sparks 

 here kindled, may contribute fuel to the continuation 

 and duration of the scientific flame he desires to 

 nourish with increasing and perennial vigour. Even 

 the proficient in botanical study may not be displeased 

 with the allusions made to the habitats of some of his 

 favourites ; since as iron sharpeneth iron, so is enter- 

 prise awakened by the narration of the humblest pil- 

 grim to the shrine that is the object of the reverence 

 of his fraternity. 



* WORDSWORTH. 



