2 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION". 



Every body knows how much the writings of the late Sir James 

 E. Smith, of Dr. Hooker, Lightfoot, and other English botanists, 

 have tended to diffuse a taste for botanical pursuits. Their 

 works at least could not be overlooked. Original descriptions 

 have occasionally been furnished, and various particulars rela- 

 tive to the uses of plants added, by the compiler, who is sorry 

 that he has not here to record any assistance derived from his 

 botanical friends, although to one gentleman he is indebted for 

 many valuable suggestions respecting the general plan of the 

 work. Excepting the Ferns, the Cryptogamic Plants have been 

 omitted, as too difficult for the Student, until he has rendered 

 the more attractive species familiar. Several species generally 

 admitted as native, but upon insufficient evidence, have also 

 been omitted. Although the compiler cannot boast of so critical 

 a knowledge of Botany as of some other departments of Natural 

 History, he is yet sufficiently aware of the difficulties which the 

 Student of that science has to encounter, and has been deeply 

 impressed with the importance of precise characters and pure 

 language in every science. It is therefore confidently hoped 

 that the work will prove useful ; and should the author have 

 contributed in any considerable degree to facilitate the progress 

 of beginners in the delightful study of Botany, he will be 

 grateful to Him who has permitted such a use of the faculties 

 bestowed upon him. It were alike unnecessary and useless 

 to say any thing here in recommendation of the science of 

 plants : unnecessary, because its fascinations have been exten- 

 sively felt and useless, because they who may peruse this 

 work, if they do not love Nature for her own sake, will hardly 

 be persuaded to love her for any thing that another might say 

 in her praise. 



W. MACGILLIVRAY. 



Edinburgh, June 9, 1830. 



