PREFACE. 



This Flora was written with the sole aim of helping students to learn 

 the names of the plants that grow around Denver. It has been made as 

 simple as possible, and those characteristics only have been noted which 

 seemed to separate any given species from allied forms. The localities are 

 cited generally with exactness, so as to insure certainty. The accent marks 

 will tell all that is needed about the pronunc'ation ; for with the accent 

 correct it makes but little difference whether the English or continental pro- 

 nunciation be used. For analytical keys and descriptions of orders and 

 genera the student will have to consult a more complete manual; either 

 <' Coulter's Rocky Mountain Botany " or some one of Gray's text-books. 

 * Establishing the identity of a plant is the first step towards knowing it, 

 though generally it becomes also the last. There should follow observations 

 of its habits and environment ; the noting of the insect visitors, their ac- 

 tions and results; comparison with other plants of the same species and with 

 those of allied species to discover variation and detect relationships that 

 may be unsuspected. This is a vast field of original work that has been so 

 neglected that we are forced to admit that we know very little beyond the 

 name of a plant. It is hoped that by facilitating that labor more time can 

 be spared for the intimate acquaintance with the plants. 



No descriptions have been attempted in the more difficult orders be- 

 cause they could not be made simple enough for beginners. The names 

 will serve as a check list to those who know the species. 



As this list probably does not contain the names of all the plants grow- 

 ing around Denver, and as new plants are continually being introduced, any- 

 one who finds a plant that seems to be unrecorded will do a great favor by 

 sending me a specimen in flower and fruit. 



" Gray's Manual " has been followed in regard to accentuation and no- 

 menclature. I wish to acknowledge the kindness of Professor Crandall, of 

 the State Agricultural College of Colorado, for the verification of the grasses. 



ALICE EASTWOOD. 



Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CaL 



