Yarious illustrative series. By the different Government 

 Departments, by our Colonial officers and foreign Repre- 

 sentatives, and by numerous private travellers also, the 

 most important services have been and continue to be 

 rendered. 



Besides these sources of contribution must be mentioned 

 the reinforcement of the Indian element in the Museums, 

 first in 1878 by the collection of forest produce, presented 

 by the Government of India (consisting of 1,113 speci- 

 mens), and secondly in 1880 by the transference to Kew 

 of the entire Economico-botanical collections, forming 

 part of the India Museum at South Kensington. From 

 these about 4,000 specimens were selected for permanent 

 exhibition ; these are distinguished by a light blue label 

 bearing the words India Museum. 



On the staircase, at the first landing, has been placed 

 the stained glass window in four lights, removed from the 

 Guildhall, and presented to the Royal Gardens in 1878 by 

 Alderman W. J. R. Cotton, M.P. It represents the growth 

 and manufacture of cotton. 



The Arrangement of the Objects. 



The specimens exhibited in Museums No. I. and No. II. 

 are arranged in the order of what is termed the natural 

 affinities of the plants which respectively furnish fchem. 

 They are grouped under Natural ORDERS. These are, 

 in some cases, very large, in others comparatively small. 

 Some abound in economic products, while others afford 

 but few. 



Between the members of each Order the rule is, that a 

 closer relationship subsists than with the members of any 

 other Order. This relationship or affinity amongst plants 

 is based upon the amount of similarity, chiefly in the 

 form and arrangement of the parts of their flowers and 

 seeds ; and the correctness of this method is confirmed 

 by a remarkable general and corresponding uniformity in 

 the character of the products and properties of the plants 

 thus brought together. For example, note the tough, 

 fibrous Barks of the " Nettle " Order, of the " Mezereon" 

 Order, and of the " Linden " and " Mallow " Orders ; — 

 the Bitter or Tonic properties of the " Gentian " Order, 



