IV INTRODUCTION. 



published ; comprehending, besides all the genera and species which have been published 

 up to the present time, descriptions of numerous plants never before published, and derived 

 chiefly from the Lambertian Herbarium. The characters of all the genera and species are 

 derived either from the plants themselves, or from the original authorities where authentic 

 specimens could not be procured. 



The object of the present work is to give a complete history and description of every 

 species of plant hitherto known, in an easy and intelligible form, so as to enable even 

 beginners in the science to understand it fully, and to ascertain without difficulty not only 

 the name and history, but also the characters and affinities of any genus or species, together 

 with its properties and best modes of culture and propagation. - The first two pages 

 of the present volume contain an outline of the System, with explanatory drawings 

 by Mr. Hart, engraved on wood by Mr. Sly ; and a complete account of each order 

 will be found in its proper place, illustrated also by drawings ; while the peculiar 

 features which separate the different families, genera, and species from each other have 

 been carefully pointed out, with their respective qualities and properties. A synopsis 

 of the genera, with their essential characters, follows the description of each order, 

 and where the genera are numerous, they have been divided into tribes, which will 

 greatly assist the reader in his examination of them. In a subsequent part of the work, 

 a full and comprehensive description of each genus will be found, including the de- 

 rivation of the names ; and when these are derived from the Greek language, the original 

 is given both in Greek and Roman letters, for the assistance of such of our readers as are 

 unacquainted with the Greek characters. The proper accentuation of each name is also 

 given. Where the species are numerous, they have, for the sake of convenience, been 

 distributed into sections marked thus, Sect. I. Sect. II. &c. : they are occasionally divided 

 again into subsections, marked thus, 1., 2., &c. : and sometimes they are still further distin- 

 guished by sub-divisions marked by stars, thus, * * * signifying 1, 2, &c. The names of the 

 species are given with their original authorities, which are followed by their distinguishing 

 characters, and with the usual signs indicative of the habit or duration of each species, 

 whether tree, shrub, perennial, biennial, or annual ; their habitation in the garden, whether 

 hardy, frame, greenhouse, or stove, &c. ; their native countries, and, as far as possible, the 

 districts in which they are found, are noticed ; followed by the synonymes, and any other 

 particulars which are likely to assist the student, such as the colour of the flower, &c. 

 The description of each species is followed by a line containing the literal translation of 

 the name in italic characters, and the English name (where such exists) ; the time of flower- 

 ing ; and the date of the introduction of such as are grown in the British gardens ; the height 

 to which the plant, shrub, or tree commonly grows, and if a climber or twiner ; thus : 

 Long-leaved Rock-rose. Fl. June, August. Clt. 1790. Shrub 3 feet high. 



