PREFACE. XXIX 



where our nomenclature differs, such difference is 

 generally marked. Neither have I been desirous of 

 assembling together every particular place of growth 

 of the less common species. I have noted where 

 the rarer ones are to be found, but principally when 

 I have verified the fact by my own examination, or 

 by seeing specimens. Common report is little to be 

 trusted; and the English student, if desirous to 

 know all that has been recorded upon this subject, 

 may amply satisfy his curiosity with the Botanist's 

 Guide of Turner and Dillwyn, a work whose sole 

 object is to assist the travelling botanist in his in- 

 quiries. Many readers may think a regular indi- 

 cation of the Scottish plants desirable ; and there- 

 fore, though Lightfoot's Flora Scotica is not quoted 

 throughout, in my Latin work, I have here cited that 

 of my friend Professor Hooker completely. The va- 

 luable Midland Flora of Mr. Purton, an assiduous 

 and faithful observer, will be found worthy of fre- 

 quent consultation. The general uniformity of our 

 nomenclature and arrangement will render this work 

 easy of access to the readers of mine, and in several 

 places I have pointed out my obligations to its worthy 

 author. 



The room gained by omitting -superfluous refe- 

 rences has allowed of more copious citations of the 

 old writers and their expressive cuts, as well as of 

 many valuable modern synonyms. Old books have 

 been too much neglected by new writers, though a 

 student may derive great pleasure, and considerable 

 information, by an introduction to them. I have 

 considered it as an imperative duty to examine every 

 synonym herein adopted, marking as quotations, be- 



