INTRODUCTION. IX 



Tangier : the latter place I visited at a period of the 

 year when vegetation was on the decline, but many 

 plants common to Spain and Africa were still in flower. 



To those kind friends who were my companions 

 in my botanical excursions and researches, more 

 particularly to Dr. Dumbreck, 72nd Highlanders, 

 Mr. Scott, of the Royal Engineers, Captain Robinson, 

 of the 72nd Highlanders, and Captain Aylmer, of 

 the Royal Artillery, I have to express the infinite 

 pleasure I derived from their society on these occa- 

 sions; and I doubt not they will join me in con- 

 sidering Botany as a harmless and profitable means 

 of relieving the dull monotony of a garrison life. 

 To brethren of my own profession in Gibraltar, who 

 may hereafter follow in the same path, I would 

 recommend the devotion of their leisure hours to 

 researches in a field as yet unexhausted, notwith- 

 standing the discouragement they may meet with in 

 the course of their investigations ; and I hope to 

 receive from them and others whose hands this 

 little book may reach, that indulgence which is to 

 be expected from generous minds. 



The south of Spain was almost a terra incognita 



