lUiEFAC'E. IX 



that the plants which still remain undiscovered are few. When we 

 consider that a very large area (more than 1| times that of the 

 British Isles) has to be examined, that the facilities for travelling 

 leave much to be desired, that the staff to carry out the exploration 

 is a very limited one, that some of the jungles are rife with malaria 

 at certain seasons, and that certain of the Ghat districts are difficult 

 of access and some of them yet unexplored, it will be admitted that the 

 task botanists still have to face is a formidable one. 



My sincere thanks ai-e due to the Director and Staff of the Eoyal 

 Botanical Gardens at Kew, who have given me every possible assistance 

 during the progress of this work, as well as to Sir George King, F.R.S., 

 and Mr. C. B. Clarke, F.E.S., both of whom have been constant workers 

 side by side with me in the Kew Herbarium, and have given me much 

 aid and friendly counsel. Lastly, I would express my thanks to the 

 Government of Bombay for the confidence they have reposed in me by 

 selecting me for the pleasing duty of preparing the Flora of the 

 Presidency, a confidence which I trust will not be misplaced. 



THEODORE COOKE. 



Kkw, 27tb April, I'JOo. 



