Preface. ix 



many prominently utilitarian trees, shrubs and herbs, restricted to cool 

 mountain-regions elsewhere within the tropics, but never yet carried to the 

 lowlands of higher latitudes. For inquiries of such kind every civilized 

 State is striving to afford in well-planned, thoughtfully directed and 

 generously supported special scientific establishments the needful aid, 

 not merely for adding to the prosperity, comfort and enjoyment of the 

 present generation, but also with an anticipation of earning the gratitude 

 of posterity ; and this, as a rule, is done with a sensitive jealousy, to 

 maintain also thereby the fair fame of the country for scientific dignity 

 and industrial development. Friendly consideration will recognize the 

 fact, that a desire to arouse more and more such a spirit of emulation has 

 much inspired the writer, to offer these pages, he trusting that enlightened 

 statesmanship far and wide will foster the aims, which he has had in 

 view, through liberal and circumspect support. 



Melbourne, August 1885. 



