X PREFACE. 



the mountainous region we drove from cabin to cabin, and nowhere could 

 we have met with greater kindness and hospitality. 



At the present time, however, there seems to be little country-lore con- 

 cerning numbers of southern plants. In years to come, when they are better 

 known, more tales of wonder will, no doubt, be woven about them. But for 

 variety and beautiful, luxuriant growth the southern field is perhaps un- 

 rivalled. 



Of our trips to different places, seeking flowers, the sixteen wash-drawings 

 scattered through the book are in commemoration. The coloured plates 

 show us as many more famous beauties. 



Without continual reinforcement my courage would perhaps have met its 

 Waterloo. I might never have written " Southern Wild Flowers and Trees." 

 With much gratitude, therefore, I acknowledge the privilege accorded 

 me of using the files of the Biltmore Herbarium and of receiving the advice 

 and assistance of the associates of that institution, all of whom helped me in 

 securing specimens and in seaching out references. Dr. Carl Mohr, of 

 Asheville, N. C, helped me out of some difificulties ; Miss Harrison of 

 Washington, Mr. McEhvee of Philadelphia and numbers of people whom 

 I met at various places — and whose faces I remember better than their 

 names — were most kind in their assistance in my work. 



Alice Lounsberry. 



