2 Botanical Excursion to the 



specieSj had I enumerated such as I observed growing, but did not 

 collect; but many of the Alpine species resemble each other so 

 strongly, that I have rigidly abstained from admitting a single plant, 

 which I did not bring home with me in such a state as admitted 

 of careful examination and analysis. 



I regret that I am unable to enter at all into the geographical 

 distribution of the Swiss Alpine plants, but the flora of a small dis- 

 trict, nowise bounded by natural limits, or distinguished by pecu- 

 liar geological formation, can furnish data of but small importance 

 individually; and I am firmly impressed with the conviction, that a 

 thorough knowledge of all the species belonging to the flora of a 

 country, as well as of the modifications which many species undergo 

 according to locality and exposure, is indispensable, before genera- 

 lising the results of detached observations. I am persuaded that 

 the progress of this branch of the science is more impeded than ad- 

 vanced by the publication of indigested materials. An error once 

 admitted into our printed records, often requires ages before it can 

 be eradicated. 



The remarks on the genera and species examined are by no means 

 brought forward as infallible ; they are, however, the result of a 

 reiterated and careful examination : and I am fully aware that many 

 of the reductions, as well as the claims of many of the species admit- 

 ted, will not be approved. Some of the remarks also, on a celebrated 

 German botanist, may perhaps be also blamed ; but where a botanist 

 establishes himself as a sort of dictator, and still errs, it is but just 

 that his dictatorial expressions, only tending to mislead, should be 

 quoted with full force against himself. In one or two genera, as 

 Hieracium and Aconitum, a few species are adopted, which I also 

 believe not to be based in nature ; but until these genera are better 

 understood, it is far preferable to distinguish marked forms as spe- 

 cies, than leave them to be neglected as accidental varieties ; and 

 it must also be considered, that the true species of these genera, 

 and of Hieracium in particular, often appear to pass by gradual 

 transition into each other. 



On the 15th of August 1835, I reached Kandersteg, at the foot 

 of theGemmi, (3280' s. m. Keller's Map, 1833,) where the rain 

 obliged me to remain until the afternoon of the following day, when 

 I ascended the Gemmi by the usual path, and took up my quarters 

 at the Inn of the Schwarrenbach, (5840' Kell.) The 17th and 

 18th were employed in examining the rocks and heights behind the 

 Inn, and those above the left bank of the Dauben See, (6860' 

 Kell.) Just below the Inn, I observed a few stunted plants of the fir ; 



