VI AÜTHOKS PREFACE. 



people but lightly esteem, or even ignore, the results of careful and 

 laborious investigations and the theories based upon them, if they are 

 produced in a popular manner rather than in the conventional language 

 of science. 



With the English, however, it is otherwise. I have long regarded witli 

 admiration the men of science whom you number amongst your countrymen, 

 who present the results of their studies in words intelligible to all who 

 seriously desire knowledge. 



To follow in the path of such men has always been my aim in my 

 work and in my writings, and this was particularly before me in the 

 production of Pßanzenleben. 



This confession will explain my pleasure on hearing that my esteemed 

 colleague had in contemplation an English edition of Pßanzenleben for 

 English readers. The book will now be available to a vastly increased 

 number of persons, and be welcomed by many to whom German works 

 are inaccessible. 



If by this means a knowledge of the Life of Plants is promoted far 

 and wide, it is largely to the credit of the Translators, to whom, in 

 conclusion, I tender my grateful thanks for the yiains which they have 

 taken. 



A. KEENER VON MARILAUN. 



Vienna, December, 189S. 



