4 PREFACE. 



offshoot from the stem, whether perfect branch 

 or perfect leaf, by its proper name of Pinna ; 

 and the foliage on the branches, when formed 

 into a distinct and separate number, by that of 

 Pinnule; when connected with them in its 

 whole breadth, by the (may I hope excusable, 

 though unauthorised ?) diminutive of Pinnulet. 

 A fresh, alphabetical, arrangement has also been 

 adopted, the months when the young yearly 

 fronds may usually be expected appended to 

 each species, and other advisable alterations 

 and additions made throughout. The plates 

 will be found to convey a clear general idea of 

 each plant, figured ; the details being, of course, 

 to be sought for from the letter-press. 



N.B. As all pinnae growing at right angles 

 to a vertical stem must, necessarily, so far 

 be horizontal in their length, it may be well to 

 note, that by the term, as applied herein, is in- 

 tended that, instead of lying in the same plane 

 with that main stem, they are so turned, as 

 to present the front breadth of their surface or 

 foliage facing the sky, being, in fact, supine. 



EDWIN BOSANQUET. 



Forscote Kectory, Somersetshire, 

 August 1855. 



