DEDICATION. 
THIs Book is dedicated to the Memory of THOMAS 
COWARD of Bowdon, whose quiet life was devoted to 
the interests of Science. His special knowledge of Botany 
and Geology was supplemented by a general acquaintance 
with kindred subjects, with whose advance his constant 
study of scientific literature enabled him to keep pace. 
He taught his son to love Nature, and his help was ever at 
the service of the many friends to whom his character 
endeared him. 
