PREFACH. 

Tue ‘ Phytologist? was commenced in June, 1842, and has regu- 
larly appeared as a monthly periodical, with the exception of 
several months when it was in abeyance on account of the de- 
mise of its former Editor, Mr. Luxford. It was originally esta- 
blished with the view of recording and circulating facts and opi- 
nions, chiefly in reference to British Botany ; and it has, during 
the long period of fourteen years and a half, been the general 
receptacle of most discoveries, observations, and views which are 
in any way connected with the vegetation of the British Islands. 
It is now an immense repository of both botanical facts and 
views. 
It would be superfluous to offer any statement of the prin- 
ciples on which this periodical is conducted. These have already 
been recorded in the first number of the New Series, and to that 
those wishing information on this point are referred. 
The ‘ Phytologist’ is still devoted to the progress of British 
Botany. Heretofore it has been almest the sole vehicle for the 
circulation of information on this subject, a medium which Bo- 
tanists have employed for mutual communications, and for the 
