PREFACE. IX 



their superstitious associations, &c. The knowledge of 

 this habit of naming was the key that opened many a 

 difficulty. 



For the sake of comparison a number of Welsh names 

 is given, selected from the oldest list of names obtainable. 

 — those appended to Gerard's 'Herbalist,' 1597. 



The author cannot sufficiently express his obligation to 

 numerous correspondents in the Highlands and in Ireland 

 for assistance in gathering local names ; without such 

 help it would have been impossible to make a com- 

 plete collection. Notably the Rev. A. Stewart, Nether 

 Lochaber, whose knowledge of natural histor}' is unsur- 

 passed in his own sphere ; the Very Rev. Canon Bourke, 

 Claremorris, who gave most valuable assistance in the 

 Irish names, particularly in the etymology of many ab- 

 struse terms, his accurate scholarship, Celtic and classical, 

 helping him over many a difficulty; Mr W. Brockie, an 

 excellent botanist and philologist, who some years ago 

 made a collection of Gaelic names of plants w^hich was 

 unfortunately destro}'ed, placed at the author's disposal 

 valuable notes and information relative to this subject ; 

 and lastly, the accomplished Editor of the ' Scottish 

 Naturalist,' who, from its commencement, edited the sheets 

 and secured the correct scientific order of the whole. 



With every desire to make this work as free from errors 

 as possible, yet, doubtless, some have escaped attention ; 

 therefore, any names omitted, any mistake in the naming 

 of the plants, or any other fact tending towards the fur- 

 ther elucidation of this subject will be thankfully received 

 for future addition, correction, or amendment. 



JOHN CAMERON. 



