I 



'^ 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



THE present work contains the result of lonj obscmtion on 

 the plants of South-Carolina and Georgia. I know that it is still iin- 

 jjerfect; and that an ipolo^j is due to the world for offering to its 

 notice an imperfect performance. Circumstances, however, hive ren- 

 dered it probable that its publication, at this time, mij-ht encourage and 

 promote the study of Botanj in tlus country, while it has be 



come 



doubtful, whether delay would enable me to make it more complete, 



or more accurate. 



It has been a subject of regret in this country, for many years past, 

 that persons wishing to commence or prosecute the httuly of botany, 

 have been deterred from the pursuit for want of books. No work has 

 yet appeared which exhibits a good >iew of the botany of the Soutljcrn 

 States; and those which have been published, thou;^h valuable, and 

 extending, each in its turn, the knowledge of our plants, contain f^en- 

 ■erally very brief descriptions, and require constant reference to other 



books, not only exiiensive, but in a great part of the United States 

 as yet unattainable. 



I have tiH^refore endeavored to adapt this sketch of our botany to 

 the situation and wants of our country. To some species, lunler 

 almost every genus, wherever the living plant, or specimens in a per- 

 fect state, have fallen under my inspection, I have given detailed de- ,' 

 scriptions. "It has been my wish to enable persons with this work ' 

 alone, to ascertain the known plants of South-Carolina and Georgia; / 

 and with th.is view much has been inserted, that under ot!»er citcum- 

 sta/ices might, and would have been omitted. 



I have subjoined, occasionally, to the description of the plants, 

 observatiotis on their medical and (economical uses. For the medical 

 observations I have been indebted to Dr. Jamks MAOBRiDE,a ^ientle- 

 man who uniting great sagacity and talent, to extensive and accu.are 

 botanical knowledge, has made tlie medical properties of our plants 

 a s ibject of careful investigation. His particular object has been to 

 ascertain w^at plants reaHy possess peculiar and \aluable qualities; 

 p*t merely to am..s8 without discrimination, popular receints. 'I he 

 results of his researches, I can ofliei with conridence to public notice. 

 A strong desire having been expj-essed by many of tSe sub>cni),.rs 



igravings anu 



