DEDICATION. 



extenfive as well as the mod entertaining Branch thereof, the 

 CRYPTOGAMIA CLASS, has been too fuperiicially re- 

 garded. That our Knowledge of the Fungi, the lad Order 

 of this Clafs, is very deficient, will evidently appear from 

 this, that a greater Number of its Species have been a&ualiy 

 gathered, in a Compafs of Ground not exceeding eight or ten 

 Miles round Halifax, than have yet been ascertained in our 

 belt and moft correct Catalogue of the Britifh Plants. The 

 above Species are the Subject of the prefent Work ; but as 

 Original Drawings from Nature, of the whole Number, are 

 now in your Lordfhip's PofTeilion, it is not neceffary to re- 

 capitulate them here. 



I am happy, my Lord, to embrace this Opportunity, of 

 acknowledging, that it is to your LORDSHIP's Generous 

 Encouragement, together with that of your late Noble Rela- 

 tive, the GOOD DUCHESS DOWAGER of PORTLAND, 

 that the Work in a great Meafure owes its Exiftence, and of 

 profefling that 



7" a?n, 



With the higheft Regard, 



My Lord, 



Tour Lord/hip's, 



Moft obedie7it a?id moft humble Servant, 



Halifax, t -p, 



January i, j 7 88. JAMES DOLTON. 



