BY REV. W. WALTER WATTS AND THOMAS WHITELEGGE. 3 



The introduction of so many European names by the earlier 

 bryologists, and of so many new species by the late Dr. C. 

 Mueller (a number of which were due to the erroneous presuppo- 

 sition above mentioned), has created a series of difficult problems 

 for Australian students. It will be long years before our Moss 

 Flora is placed upon a satisfactory footing. It might be contended 

 that this Census should have awaited a complete investigation. 

 We entirely dissent from that view. Knowing, as we do, the 

 enormous task before the bryological student in this countr}^ we 

 have endeavoured to lay, in some manner, a foundation for the 

 labours of future builders; and, in this Census, we submit the 

 result of much patient toil, in the hope that it will be of service 

 to our fellow-bryologists. 



It need scarcely be said that we do not profess to give an 

 exhaustive list of localities and collectors. Even if the informa- 

 tion had been available, space would have failed us. It is to be 

 hoped that students throughout the Commonwealth will develop 

 the bryology of the separate States, and build up detailed accounts 

 of the Moss flora of different districts. 



To the works named in the appended list we desire to 

 acknowledge our great indebtedness, — to Jaeger and Sauerbeck's 

 ' Adumbratio,' Paris' 'Index Bryologicus,' Mueller's 'Genera Mus- 

 corum,' Brotherus's ' Bryales,' and Warnstorf's ' Sphagnacese ' 

 especially. Dr. Brotherus's kindness and his great services in 

 the study and determination of plants, as well as in his descrip- 

 tion of new species, deserve the sincerest gratitude of Australian 

 bryologists. 



We desire very heartily to express our obligations for the 

 assistance received from Mr. Luehmann, Director of the IS'ational 

 Herbarium, Melbourne ; from the publications of Mr. F. M. 

 Bailey, Colonial Botanist of Queensland; from Mr. R. A. Bas tow's 

 Tasmanian records; from Mr. F. M. Reader, of Warracknabeal, 

 Victoria; Mr. C. T. Musson, of the Hawkesbury Agricultural 

 College; Mr. J. H. Maiden, Director of the National Herbarium, 

 Sydney (per Mr. Wm. Forsyth, Superintendent of the Centennial 

 Park); Mr. R. T. Baker, Curator of the Technological Museum, 



