viii Preface. 



For the use of the critical botanist the consecutive numbers 

 of the ' London Catalogue ' (8th ed.) have been given {under the 

 name), and also the topographical numbers {after the name). 

 These latter numbers form ' a scale of rarity or frequency in 

 relation to Britain as a whole. They express the number of 

 counties in which the species has been reported to occur. By 

 subdividing the larger counties into two or more vice-counties 

 their number is increased to 112.' 



Thus Myosurus minimus (43) . . . . [T. W. Wl. 

 (II) 

 means that this plant is numbered 1 1 in the * Catalogue,' that 

 it grows in 43 out of 112 counties or vice-counties, and that 

 (of the Schools mentioned) it is found within reach of Taunton, 

 Winchester, and WelHngton. 



Again, CARDAMINE HIRSUTA (106) 

 (93-94) 

 means that this name here includes the two plants marked 93 

 and 94, viz., Cardamine hirsuta of Linnaeus, and Cardamine 

 flexuosa of Withering, and that it is so common a plant that it 

 occurs in 106 out of 112 topographical divisions. 



GiGGLESwicK, 1887. 



The chief difference between the present edition and former 

 editions consists in the illustrations now given. Some of these 

 are representations of plants mentioned in the Flora ; others are 

 for the purpose of elucidating points of structure upon which 

 the discrimination between somewhat similar plants depends. 

 It is hoped that these additions will make the use of the book 

 easier for the beginner. 



W. M. W. 



London, Juhe 1905. 



