Translator's Preface. 



The last general work on the Diatomaceae published in English is 

 that by Mr. Rails as published in Pritchard's Infusoria in 1861, while 

 that on the Diatomaceae ot Great Britain is the classical work of 

 Professor Wm. Smith, which made its appearance more than 40 years ago. 



Under such circumstances, the publication of the present work 

 appeared to be opportune, aiming as it does at a complete figured 

 classification of genera, bearing the stamp of the authority of the Author's 

 great experience, together with a description and illustrated synopsis of 

 all species found in Great Britain and the neighbouring shores ; and 

 this view has been corroborated in a most encouraging manner, by 

 the fact that more than half the Edition has been subscribed previous 

 to publication. 



The geographical distribution of species described have been largely 

 noted from published lists ; and my own collection, amounting to 

 upwards of 10,000 preparations (including the life-work of that versatile 

 and indefatigable diatomist, the late Mr. Frederick Kitton), has 

 enabled me to supplement the records of previous authors. 



The Index of species and genera, which contains references to the 

 Analytical Contents, and to the figures in the plates and text, has 

 been compiled so as to render reference to any particular species as easy 

 as possible, and at the same time to prevent readers from being confused 

 by synonyms. 



It was originally intended to have incorporated a full list of the 

 Diatomaceous Deposits found in the British Isles, but the unexpected 

 length of the Work has not only considerably delayed the date of 

 publication, but has also rendered this object unattainable. My thanks, 

 however, are due to many correspondents who have so readily assisted 

 me in its compilation, and it is hoped that its publication is only 

 deferred. 



