viii AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



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 

 with 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 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF PLANTS. 



A. KEENER VON MARILAUN. 



VIENNA, December, 1893. 



