PREFACE 



III the com-sc of Lis work the writer comes in contact with 

 a large number of i^eople who are interested in Botany as a 

 recreation and a change from the work by which they make 

 their living. It is noteworthy with sneh students that interest 

 in a plant is considerably quickened when it can be shown 

 that the plant in question possesses either medicinal or poisonous 

 properties. Tliis would seem to indicate the need for a book 

 whicb would impart useful information and at the same time 

 emphasize the paramount importance of scientific training. 

 Since the outbi*eak of the present War the number of amateiu- 

 botanists in large centres like Glasgow has considerably in- 

 creased. The interest of some has been aroused by the patriotic 

 efforts of such organizations as the National Herb-growing 

 Association; others, having become plot-holders, deem a scien- 

 tific groundwork in Botany a matter of urgent necessity; sHU 

 others are attracted by the enhanced prices paid for drugs 

 which before the War were imported from Germany because 

 we could not be bothered, or because it did not pay, to culti- 

 vate or collect the plants in this country. Hence, in the case 

 of the more important British drug plants, after the salient 

 features ha\'e been described, an accotuit is given of the cidti- 

 vation, source of supply, present and former price, and other 

 details bearing upon the commercial aspect of the subject. In 

 this connection the author has received much help from Mr. 



Wren, of 31essrs. Potter & Clarke, who has kindly allowed his 



