As Mr. Walter's Flora Caroliniana is not in the Charleston Library', being a book 

 rarely to be met with ; and as it contains a greater number of plants indigenous to 

 this State than any other particular work in the library; it is hoped this manuscript 

 may not be unacceptable. Under such impressions, it is respectfully presented by 

 John Drayton. 



A note at the bottom of this page refers ' ' for further informa- 

 tion respecting this manuscript" to an appendix in which, follow- 

 ing a lengthy quotation, Drayton thus describes his work: 



As yet, there are few States in the Union, whose natural history has been less 

 traced than Carolina. To Catesby, we are indebted for some few drawings, and 

 but imperfect descriptions of plants and flowers. Consequently, in some instances 

 were we to refer only to that book, it is a matter of uncertainty whether some of 

 the plants grow in this State, or in the West indies. Bartram in his travels through 

 the Southern part of this State, has in this respect been more successful and par- 

 ticular; and when he mentions plants which he is careful to do, at every change of 

 country & soil, he then fixes the place where they are to be found. The number 

 however which he has been able to make in his short excursions, are but few, when 

 compared with those which Walter in his Flora CaroUniana has been able to specify. 

 And Walter although he has thus brought forward a greater number of indigenous 

 plants than were ever before collected in one view of this country, is said to be de- 

 ficient in many points which as a Botanist he should have attended to. Where 

 information could have been obtained, he would have done well to have pointed 

 out the use of each plant, and mentioned the places in which they grew. Perhaps 

 he might have done this, had not death arrested him before the pubhcation of his 

 work. However in some measure this may be remedied, as a gentleman has his 

 Botanical memorandum book with specimens of the plants, mentioning in what 

 parts they were found. Should a reference to this book be permitted, an oppor- 

 tunity will be taken of inserting that part of botanical information; which will des- 

 ignate the places where particular plants are to be obtained, and facilitate the pro- 

 curing them for any purposes of use or ornament. 



At an evidently later date the following note is added: 



The Gentleman above alluded to, has been so obliging as to favor me with the 

 perusal of the Walter's Botanican memorandum book: From which, the place 

 where particular plants are to be found, are herein inserted. This information 

 however, has not been so extensive as was expected: however, it has so far been 

 useful. The times of blossoming of different plants throught this book, are also 

 taken from Walter 's Memorandum book, and from other information. 



The notes taken from Walter's Memorandum book, though far 



» Walter's Flora is now in this library and also in the library of the Charleston Museum. 



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