INTRODUCTION. Ill 



who, as his pages sliow, relied ahnost entirely upon the 

 three botanists we have named. It is only to be regretted 

 that many of Dr. Stephens' specimens lack essential par- 

 ticulars of date or place of collection, without which such 

 witnesses can render little sei'vice. 



The Rev. R. P. Murray has very liberally furnished us 

 with notes taken from his i*esearches among the plants of 

 Somersetshire ; and we are very grateful to several other 

 naturalists outside our ranks who have cheerfully contri- 

 buted their labour. 



Our chief aim in the construction of this " Flora," un- 

 doubtedly has been to use such care and precision as should 

 engender confidence in its accuracy on the part of those 

 who may have occasion to consult it. It is accoi'dingly the 

 Editor's intention to at once begin revising the earlier Parts, 

 with a view to the preparation of a second edition. To that 

 end we now venture to address a request to the friends who 

 have already favoured us, as well as to our own members, 

 that they will aid in making the work as complete and 

 accurate as possible. The correction of any errors which 

 may exist, the confirmation of stations resting on old or 

 doubtful authority, and additional plants or stations fi-om 

 any part of the district, will all be very gladly received, 

 especially when accompanied by specimens. Supported by 

 such aid, we may not unreasonably expect to lay before the 

 Society in our next effort a thoroughly worthy account of 

 the botanical wealth of Bristol. 



Jtme, 1886. 



