PEEMCE. 



Many years have elapsed since Dillenius gave to the world 

 liis ' Historia Muscorum/ a work greatly in advance of liis 

 predecessors, and displaying an amount of research and ac- 

 curacy^ both in the description of the plants and accom- 

 panying illustrations^ the value of which is appreciated by 

 Botanists at the present day. Rich however tliough this 

 'History^ was, compared with those of previous authors, 

 the rapid progress of discovery since its publication has 

 thrown it comparatively into the shade. The number of 

 new species has been greatly increased, and much new light 

 thrown on their structure and physiology. The labours of 

 Hooker, Greville, Arnott, Bridel, Weber, Bruch, and others, 

 have led to these important results. 



