X PREFACE. 



botanists in adopting tlie correct way of spelling the 

 word — Chinchona* The Counts of Chinchon, the 

 hereditary Alcaides of the Alcazar of Segovia, do 

 not hold so obscure a place in history as to excuse 

 the continuance of this mis-spelling of their name. 



After much anxiety, extending over a period of 

 three years ; after ail the hardships, dangers, and 

 toils which a search in virgin tropical forests entails ; 

 and after more than one disappointment, it is a source 

 of gratification and thankfulness that this great 

 and important measure, fraught with blessings to 

 the people of India, and with no less beneficial 

 results to the whole civilized world, should have 

 been finally attended with complete success, in spite 

 of difficulties of no ordinary character. How com- 

 plete this success has been, will be seen by a perusal 

 of the two last chapters of the present work, and 

 of Mr. Mclvor's very interesting Report in the 

 Appendix ; it is sufficient here to say that it has 

 exceeded our most sanguine expectations. 



* The only valid argument against this change is that it maj' cause con- 

 fusion, but the alteration is too slight for this to he possible ; and it is not 

 uncommon, among botanists, to correct the usual spelling of genera or 

 species of plants, when it is found to be erroneous. Among other examples 

 of such changes may be enumerated those of Plumeria, now altered to 

 Plumieria; Bufonia to Buffo nia; and Oesneria io Gesnera. 



