Vi PREFACE. 



1 am greatly indebted to Professor J. W. H. TRAIL, M.D., F.L.S., &c., for 

 his valuable contributions on Insects, Fungi, and Diseases of Plants, branches of 

 science in which he has long been specially interested, and in which he is an 

 undoubted authority. 



Mr. J. GARRETT, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, late of the Royal Horticultural 

 Society's Gardens, is responsible for Fruit and Vegetable. Culture, for most of what 

 appertains to Florists' Flowers, and for General Gardening Work. For information 

 on many special subjects Begonias may be cited as an example I am obliged 

 for much assistance to Mr. W. WATSON, also of the Royal Gardens, Kew; in fact, 

 the article Begonia, in its entirety, was written by him. Mr. W. B. HEMSLEY, A.L.S., 

 has, throughout, given me aid and advice; and I have to acknowledge constant help 

 from several other colleagues. 



The Rev. PERCY W. MYLES, M.A., has taken no little trouble in working out 

 the correct derivations of very many of the Generic Names; unfortunately, in a 

 number of instances, lack of time prevented me from obtaining the benefit of his 

 knowledge. I have to record my gratitude for help in so difficult a task, this 

 special study being one to which Mr. MYLES has paid much attention. 



GEORGE NICHOLSON. 

 ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 



