6 



What information I possess on the subject herein treated of, 

 was gained during the five years in which I was connected with 

 the Department of the learned Government Botanist and Director 

 of the State Gardens, Victoria, Australia : I allude to Baron Von 

 Mueller, a name widely known in the scientific world, and one 

 intimately associated with the Flora of Australia. 



I should like it to be understood that the various investiga- 

 tions, alluded to in the course of these pages, as having been 

 carried out by me, in my capacity of Chemist to the Gardens, 

 were in all instances suggested by Baron Von Mueller, who at 

 the same time selected and furnished me with the required ma- 

 terial. For many of the descriptions herein given. I am also in 

 deb ted to the same gentleman. 



I cannot conclude without expressing my indebtedness to 

 Alfred R. C. Selwyn, F.G.S., Esq., Director of the Geological Sur- 

 vey of Canada, for his kindness in having placed at my disposal a 

 series of Australian views, thereby enabling me to insert some 

 illustrations : the same have been very skillfully drawn and litho- 

 graphed by Mr. A. H. Foord, Artist to the Survey. 



