INTRODUCTION 



the natural relationships of the different genera by turning to the 

 Chapter on Classification. 



The derivation of the names of the genera and the natural orders 

 or families to which they belong have been given, in the hope that 

 the information will be not only interesting in itself, but also of an 

 instructive character. 



It is also hoped that the numerous drawings (many of which 

 are reproduced from sketches made twenty-three and twenty-four 

 years ago) will serve a similar purpose, and help to make clear any 

 little obscurities in the text. With a view to encouraging still 

 further research, references to coloured plates and good figures in 

 standard botanical and horticultural works have also been added 

 after the descriptions of many species and varieties. 



JOHN WEATHEKS. 



