INTRODUCTION* 5 



assistance given to botanical research by the Government of Formosa, we 

 now have a fair knowledge of the flora of this interesting island. 



.V few remarks about the publication of the present work, which is to 

 be continued in a long series, may not be out of place. For a long time, 

 I have had a desire to publish a flora of Formosa, accompanied by ieones, 

 to be issued yearly in separate numbers, with some fixed allowance for this 

 special publication, which might be completed in fifteen years. In 1909, 

 I asked Mr. K. OSHLMA, then the Civil Governor of Formosa, to consider 

 the matter of publication. Owing to the gracious aid he extended to me, 

 it lias been possible to arrange that the publication shall be carried on for 

 fifteen years, Ijegiuniug this year. The icoues will contain 600 plates, illus- 

 trating nearly all the plants to be found in Formosa, and accompanied by 

 descriptions. This will be issued yearly for fifteen years in separate numbers, 

 each containing 40 plates. 



The present fasciculus contains all the plants belonging to Polypetala? 

 known to us from the island up to the present time, accompanied by 40 

 plates mainly illustrating the species newly described by myself in my 

 " Materials for a Flora of Formosa." The plan of the present work was at 

 first to give full descriptions of all plants so as to serve as a guide to 

 students of the Formosan flora. The time, however, being very limited, I 

 have found it difficult to carry out tliis plan, and therefore am obliged to 

 be content with giving only descriptions of plants of special interest. I hope 

 to be able to add full accounts in the next fasciculus, and to pursue the 

 plan through the whole series. 



In conclusion, I wish to tender 1113- hearty thanks to all the officials of 

 the Government of Formosa who have helped me in the publication of my 

 work. My very cordial thanks are due especially to Mr. T. KAWAKAMI, 

 who has assisted me in many ways. 



B. HAYATA. 



April, 1911. 



