164 NOTICE OF BOTANICAL PUBLICATIONS. 
ever size, quality and price might appear most suitable; here, 
in short, every thing must be done for the first time. I 
mention these incidental sources of disappointment in anti- 
cipation, lest imperfections should occur at the outset which 
might be unavoidable in Madras, but which, in more fav- 
ourable circumstances, would justly merit censure." 
Of the * Illustrations," ‘thus courageously begun in 1838 
with coloured lithographic plates, eight numbers are now be- 
fore us, and they are most highly creditable to Dr Wight and 
the artist whom he has employed. We do not look for the — 
high finish, nor brilliant colouring which characterizes modern 
European botanical plates: but we find what is of infinitely 
more consequence, copious analyses of the parts of fructifica- 
tion, drawn, as are the entire figures, by a talented native 
artist, (Rungia,) who has long been employed by Dr 
Wight, under his immediate inspection. The botani 
remarks are full and carefully executed, the observations 
on the properties and uses of plants are also numerous 
and satisfactory, and so important, that we do not wonder 
the liberal and enlightened body of men who compose the 
local government, should extend their patronage and support 
to the work.. We consequently find the Madras Govern- 
ment heading the subscription list for fifty copies. Ninety- 
two other names follow as subscribers from the first No. 
Previous to the completion of the 8th No., 118 more. sub- 
scribers had come forward, and these we believe all in Indias 
so that we confidently expect that the meritorious author Wl" 
not only be relieved from all pecuniary loss, but that he WI 
have the satisfaction of knowing that his labours have been. 
duly appreciated by those who take an interest in the rich 
and varied vegetation of our Indian possessions. rik 
The arrangement followed in this work, is precisely the | 
, same as that of the * Prodromus." As a specimen of AS 
nature, we may briefly mention the following as the con- 
. tents of the first No. The whole is given in the English. 
Tu language.—Orp. I. RANUNCULACEZ.- 1. A full charact 
of the Order is given. 2. Remarks on its botanical affinities. 
