PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. XY 
ing,* the second volume might be presented complete, in a month 
from this time. By the first of the ensuing March, however, the 
eighth and last number will be published. And though all the im- 
portant medicinal plants of our country, cannot be comprehended 
within the limits to which it was thought prudent, on the subscribers’ 
account, to affix to the present undertaking, still, it is hoped, a suffi- 
cient number have been figured and described, to render the work 
useful. If the public desire a continuance of it, their encourage- 
ment may effect it. To them already the publishers are indebted for 
a very extensive patronage, and the author for a very flattering 
reception of his labours. The former were richly entitled to it by their 
enterprise, in undertaking so costly a publication, and their great 
*It may be proper to mention in this place, that when this work was com- 
menced, the author believed, being under the impression that the subscription would be 
very limited, that he would be enabled to execute all the colouring with his own hand. 
The large subscription which was immediately filled up, soon convinced him, that this 
was utterly impracticable; and he consequently was obliged to have recourse to the as- 
sistance of others. And even with the assistance, sometimes of six persons, he could 
not supply the coloured copies as rapidly as the publishers orders called for. He 
has been fortunate in meeting in his own family, with some persons, whose colouring 
is faithful—but in many instances he has met with repeated disappointment and mortifi- 
cation, in those who wanted this faithfulness—and in despite of all exertions to prevent it, 
some colouring has passed through his hands, which, though not very faulty, was far from 
- being as well executed as could be desired. With a view to complete the work as soon 
as possible, a few plates have been done by Mr. Boyd, and Mr. Warnicke ; the largest 
number, however, have been executed by Messrs. l'anner, Vallance, Kearny, and Co. 
The plates are highly creditable to the talents of all these excellent artists. 
