PREFACE. 



The first edition of the Silva Capensis appeared in 1854, as a 

 Commentary to a Collection of South -African indigenous woods, trans- 

 mitted by the Government to the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1855. 

 Since then, I obtained fresh valuable information on the subject, and 

 made many additions. 



Anticipating that the Cape of Good Hope would, like other British 

 Colonies, be represented at the great London International Show of 

 1862, and wishing to contribute my share towards it, I at an early date 

 repaired to the Eastern Province and British Caffraria, with the 

 intention, of making myself personally acquainted with the many natural 

 resources which these tine and fertile regions afford. 



Among them the extensive and hitherto but little appreciated 

 primeval forests, with which that part of the country abounds, attracted 

 my particular attention. I therefore visited many of them, and by pro- 

 curing specimens from each, succeeded in bringing "together the most 

 complete collection of South African woods ever yet made. 



This collection, the specimens of which are handsomely prepared and 

 scientifically named, comprises a series of about seventy specjes, and 

 many of these are serviceable either as timber, or as yielding suitable, 

 material for ornamental and common furniture, veneering, the construc- 

 tion of bridges and mills, railway purposes, turnery, wagon making, 

 the manufacture of rural utensils, tools, musical instruments, carving, 

 wood-engraving &c. 



The Cape Colony having unhappily remained unrepresented at the 

 present occasion, this collection will now, by His Excellency the 

 Governor's decision, be presented to the Museum of Economic Botany 

 of the Royal Gardens of Kew, and its description forms the contents of 

 the following pages. 



In several passages of this little work, the reader will meet with 

 observations on the wanton usage, annually exercised in the Colony, of 

 setting fire to the mountains and bushes, — an injurious practice, which 

 in one sweep destroys large quantities of valuable timber and useful 

 woods. The most awful consequences must necessarily attend such 

 outrageous conduct, it being universally admitted, that forests and 

 woods attract and increase moisture, produce rain, and give rise to 

 springs and running streams, while tracts deprived of vegetation become 

 heated, barren, and dry. 



I beg, in conclusion, to tender ray most sincere thanks to the numerous 

 Eastern Province friends, who by advice, information, and actual aid, 

 promoted my aim, and enabled me to accomplish the task I had pro- 

 posed to myself. 



L. P. 



Cape Town, June 12th, 1S62. 



