with a. ready and disinterested zeal, undertook the examination and arrange- 

 ment of his Herbarium. After much time and labour, every specimen of 

 an extensive series of duplicates was examined, all the species of each genus 

 were brought together, the entire Herbarium Mas distributed into families 

 according to the natural method, and the basis of an accurate cataLoj 

 was formed. By this operation, the number of species composing the Her- 

 barium, which had previously been vaguely estimated, was determined to 



•2196'. 



While engaged in this arrangement Mr. Brown noted in each family 

 those subjects which appeared to possess the greatest interest, either on ac- 

 count of their novelty, or of their peculiarity of structure, and from the 

 subjects thus noted he finally made a selection, which it was proposed to 

 publish under the title of " Plantce Javanicce Rariores." 



It was at the same time determined that a series of figures for the il- 

 lustration of all the subjects to be described in the work should be pre- 

 pared. Although a considerable number of drawings had been made in 

 Java by native artists, these were found useful only in the representation 

 of the general character and habit of the subjects. Mr. Brown therefore 

 undertook the task of preparing such dissections as were necessary for 

 the illustration of the generic characters, or other interesting points of 

 structure, and of generally superintending the execution of the drawings : 

 to this portion of the work Mr. Brown cheerfully devoted particular care 

 and attention, and his experience in analysis of vegetable structure will be 

 duly appreciated by Botanists. 



After the completion of the drawings and of the illustrative details, the 

 subjects were put into the hands of the engraver, and Mr. Brown com- 

 menced the preparation of the text. In the prosecution of this task his 

 public engagements and other important scientific inquiries accumulating 

 in a degree beyond what was expected when he commenced the work, it 

 was agreed between Mr. Brown and Dr. Horsfield that the original plan 

 should be modified, and that the assistance of a coadjutor should be ob- 

 tained. 



On this point Dr. Horsfield has the satisfaction to state that J. J. Ben- 

 nett, Esq., Mr. Brown's assistant in the Botanical Department of the 

 British Museum, was found willing to prepare for the press such articles 

 as were left unfinished by Mr. Brown, and likewise to cooperate generally 

 in the preparation of the work. In accordance with this plan the title 

 has been modified ; and Dr. Horsfield has the pleasing duty, in this place, 

 to acknowledge the ability and assiduity with which Mr. Bennett has per- 

 formed the task he has undertaken. The minuteness of detail and extent 

 of research with which he has elaborated the articles he has contributed, 

 elucidate clearly and satisfactorily the characters and habits of the subjects, 

 as well as the history of their discovery, and the labours bestowed on their 

 investigation by preceding Botanists. Mr. Brown has, agreeably to his 

 original intention, contributed his remarks on the affinity and structure of 

 the subjects described ; he has also afforded many valuable suggestions in 

 the progress of the work, and the whole has received his examination and 

 revisal. 



Dr. Horsfield embraces with pleasure and satisfaction the opportunity 

 now afforded him of publicly expressing his great obligations to Mr. Brown. 



