CONTEIBUTOES. V 



Feeling convinced that such is the only course by which a reliable 

 work can be produced, we have not hesitated to discard many 

 species considered as Irish, but respecting which we, have not suc- 

 ceeded in obtaining authentic information, or specimens. By this 

 course, more is left open for the investigation of those observers who 

 may consent to assist in the preparation of a more complete work 

 which we trust will yet be accomplished as the requirements of 

 science shall demand. It is to the botanists of Ireland that we 

 especially appeal ; there is an ample field yet open in the explora- 

 tion of the^^ora of their native country ; and if our book serves but 

 to mark one step in advance it will not have been compiled in vain. 

 In every case of doubt no pains have been spared to try and arrive 

 at the truth, and we trust that our many correspondents will accept 

 our thankful acknowledgment for the unwearied courtesy with which 

 they have replied to close and troublesome enquiries. To Mr. Isaac 

 Carroll, the well-known botanist of Cork; to Professor George 

 Dickie, of Aberdeen ; to the late Right Hon. J. Wynne, of Hazel- 

 wood ; to the Eev. Samuel Madden ; to Mr. T. Chandlee ; to Mr. 

 S. A. Stewart, of Belfast ; to Miss S. Grubb, of Clonmel ; to Mr. F. 

 J. Foot, of the Geological Survey of Ireland ; to Mr. John Douglas ; 

 to the Rev. T. Warren, of Ennis ; to Mr. J. Morrison ; to Admiral 

 Jones ; to Professor Melville, of Galway ; to Mr. David Orr ; to 

 Mr. J. Sullivan, of the College, Cork (who jointly with the late 

 Professor E. Murphy, furnished a list of the plants of Cork county) ; 

 we are especially indebted for localities. From Professor C. C. 

 Babington, of Cambridge, and Mr. H. C. Watson we have received 

 assistance of various kinds. Our valued friends, Mr. W. Carruthers, 

 of the British Museum, and the Rev. W. W. Newbould, have con- 

 stantly aided us, both in the revision of our proof sheets and by 

 consulting the works of the earher English botanists, not accessible 

 in Dublin ; to Mr. Newbould we are further indebted for a' tran- 

 script of Dr. Patrick Browne's catalogue. Mr. M. J. O'KeUy, of 

 Eochestown, has -very kindly allowed us to consult an interleaved 

 copy of the "Irish Flora,^ which formerly belonged to the late Mr. 

 John White, and contains many notes left by him. We are bound 

 especially to acknowledge our obligations to Dr. E. Perceval Wright 

 and Mr. W. Archer, who have given us the best of their advice and 



