PREFATORY NOTE. 



The "Synopsis of the Flora of Colorado," which the survey now pre- 

 sents to the public, has been prepared by Prof. Thomas C. Porter, of 

 Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, and Mr. John M. Coulter, one 

 of the assistants connected with the survey for the past two years. It 

 is intended to be a type of a series of "handbooks 7 ' of different branches 

 of natural history, to be published from time to time as a part of the 

 series of " Miscellaneous Publications," for the use of students all over 

 the country. 2fo. 3 of the series is now passing through the press, and 

 has been prepared by the eminent ornithologist, Dr. E. Cones, U. S. A. 

 It will form an octavo volume of several hundred pages, bringing the 

 whole subject of western ornitholgy up to date. The mountain regions 

 of Colorado are now so accessible to the traveling public, that this 

 synopsis will prove a most valuable aid to students, and travelers who 

 can, are annually visiting Colorado in great numbers. Indeed, the moun- 

 tainous portions more nearly resemble the Alpine districts of Central 

 Europe, not only in the scenery, but also in the different forms of veg- 

 etation. The tide of travel is fast turning in this direction, and the 

 demand for works ot this kind will necessarily be very great. It should 

 be stated here, that the obligations of the survey to Professor Porter, 

 for his share in the work, are very much increased from the fact that he 

 occupied several months in its preparation without compensation from 

 the Government. 



F. V. HAYDEX, 

 United States Geologist. 



OFFICE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL 

 SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES, January 14, 1874. 



