plants has been considerably curtailed in view of the early appearance of a 

 bunk 8pe-ially devoted to that subject. "The total result has been a further 

 increase in size, which ii is hoped will be considered justified by the increased 

 utility of the book. 



The compilation of a work with such a variety of subjects lias only been 

 made possible by the generous and hearty co-operation of the officers of the 

 Department. Their contributions in the way of new articles and of revision 

 of old ones have made the hook what it is, and have placed their own 

 valuable experience on record in an easily accessible form. 



In the compilation of the matter and perusal of the proofs, Mr. O. G. 

 Ferns, of this office, has been unremittingly attentive to the many details 

 that contribute to the value of such a work. 



W. H. BROWN, 



Editor of Publications. 

 8ydney, 



1st December, 1922. 



