PREFACE. XXIX 



where our nomenclature differs, such difference is 

 generally marked. Neither have I been desirous of 

 assembling together every particular place of growth 

 of the less common species. I have noted where 

 the rarer ones are to be found, but principally when 

 I have verified the fact by my own examination, or 

 by seeing specimens. Common report is little to be 

 trusted ; and the English student, if desirous to 

 know all that has been recorded upon this subject, 

 may amply satisfy his curiosity with the Botanist's 

 Guide of Turner and Dillwyn, a work whose sole 

 object is to assist the travelling botanist in his in- 

 quiries. Many readers may think a regular indica- 

 tion of the Scottish plants desirable ; and therefore, 

 though Lightfoof s jP/or« Scotica is not quoted through- 

 out, in my Latin work, I have here cited that of my 

 friend Professor Hooker completely. The valuable 

 Midland Flora of Mr. Purton, an assiduous and 

 faithful observer, will be found worthy of frequent 

 consultation. The general uniformity of our no- 

 menclature and arrangement will render this work 

 easy of access to the readers of mine, and in several 

 places I have pointed out my obligations to its worthy 

 author. 



The room gained by omitting superfluous refe- 

 rences has allowed of more copious citations of the old 

 writers and their expressive cuts, as well as of many 

 valuable modern synonyms. Old books have been 

 too much neglected by new writers, though a student 

 may derive great pleasure, and considerable infor- 

 mation, by an introduction to them- I have consi- 

 dered it as an imperative duty to examine every 

 synonym herein adopted, marking as quotations, be- 



