PREFACE. 



IN this work it has been the Author's wish to adopt in all 

 cases those names which have the claim of priority, unless 

 good cause could be shown for a contrary proceeding, and 

 with this object he has carefully examined nearly all the 

 best European Floras, comparing our plants with the de- 

 scriptions contained in them, and in very many cases with 

 foreign specimens of undoubted authenticity. In the adop- 

 tion of genera and species an endeavour has been made, by 

 the examination of the plants themselves, to determine which 

 are to be considered as truly distinct, thus, it is hoped, 

 taking Nature as a guide, and not depending upon the au- 

 thority of any name, however distinguished. Still let it not 

 be supposed that any claim is made to peculiar accuracy, 

 nor that the Author considers himself qualified to dictate 

 to any student of botany, for he is well aware that there are 

 many points upon which persons who have carefully studied 



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