PREFACE. 



Desiring to promote the study of botany in the educational 

 institutions of the State, and to awaken an interest in the ex|)h)r- 

 ation of the Flora of Tennesseee, I tender this small volume to 

 the friends and promoters of scientific ])ursuits. 



The work is original, l)eing fijunded upon a botanical c(dlcc- 

 tion made exclusively by myself, during thirtv-cight vcars' res-, 

 idence in this State. 



I am yet in possession of specimens collected in 1<S49, when 

 I first took up my residence in East Tennessee as a practicing 

 physician. Placed, as I was in those early days, amid unfamiliar 

 modes of life, with no access to intellectual resources, without 

 information about the condition and advance of scientific affairs 

 in this country, my botanical progress could for many years 

 be no other than tedious and slow; but I kept u{) a pursuit, 

 which since early school-years had been to me a source of pleas- 

 ure and consolation. 



After my removal to Xashville, in 1S()4, I paid special atten- 

 tion to the exploration of the vicinity of Xashville and the 

 adjoining counties. Travel by railroads made it possible to 

 make frequent short visits to distant points, without too great 

 infringement on professional duties. 



Although in an educational center, filled with d;>|)l;iy of 

 refinement, I soon perceived that I had to rely upon my own 

 resources, if I would attempt to expand my botanical efforts 

 beyond the limits of ])ersonal gratification. For the want of 

 such blessed leisure as would be needed to assure success, 1 never 

 expected to publish on the Flora, considering the results of my 

 investigations too insignificant. That I have now prepared this 

 paper is purelv contingent upon the meeting of tlje American 

 Association for the Advancement of Science, in Xashville, August, 

 1877. 



At that occasion I had the good fortune of making acquaint- 

 ance with some well-known Eastern botanists, who, with very 

 obliging politeness, reviewed my collections, and assured me 

 that a survey of the unexplored region of Tennessee would be 

 appreciated.' At their instance 1 continued, with all care and 



51301 



Library 

 N. C, State Collet*' 



