PREFACE. 



IN offering to the Public this Flora of the Isle of 

 Wight, the Editor is induced to entertain a hope 

 that it may be found useful, both by contributing to 

 the pleasure and improvement of those who may 

 make it a companion in their excursions, and by 

 conducing in some degree, however humble, to the 

 promotion of the delightful and interesting science 

 of Botany. The utility of local Floras for this pur- 

 pose has been recognised by the most distinguished 

 Naturalists; and, if authorities were necessary, we 

 might mention the Flora Tonbrigiensis of Mr. T. F. 

 Forster, and The Botanists' Guide by Messrs. Tur- 

 ner and Dillwyn ; to the latter of which works the 

 Editor is happy to acknowledge his obligations. 



To those who take pleasure in admiring and 

 studying the works of Nature, no occupation will 



