x Preface. 



identify, by reference to this one volume alone, any flowering 

 plant met with in the Bombay Presidency. For this purpose, 

 not only a description of the individual plants is required, 

 but also something like an outline of botany generally, and in 

 particular an explanation of the scientific classification of 

 plants, and of all the technical terms used. These will be 

 found in the Introduction. 



The explanation of my publishing this book so long as fifteen 

 years after my retirement from India is that I found it im- 

 possible to make any part of it satisfactory without an authori- 

 tative work like Sir J. Hooker's to found it on. The last 

 part of that great work necessary to my purpose appeared only 

 four months ago. 



That many mistakes and omissions will be found in the book 

 is certain ; and it is simple truth to say that I see more faults 

 in it than any one is likely to tell me of. But I shall be 

 greatly obliged to any who use the book if they will keep a 

 list of the mistakes and omissions they find, and will from time 

 to time communicate them to me. 



Finally, I must express my thanks, not only to those whose 

 names appear in the body of the work, but to many other 

 gentlemen, mostly in the Bombay Presidency, who have 

 written to me in elucidation of various points. I have used 

 all the information I could get, with discrimination I hope, 

 certainly with full appreciation of the ready help that I have 

 received from many different quarters. 



Coblenz : 



January, 1894, 



