PREFA CE. xi. 



Brooklyn. I have the memory, of many delightful 

 excursions, about the shores of New York Bay, in 

 company with him, who knows so well when, and 

 where, all the finer and rarer plants are to be had. 

 I am permitted to quote him, all too seldom, in these 

 pages, because the light has been shut out — let 

 us hope only temporarily — from those eyes which 

 were ever so keen to detect, and so appreciative in 

 recognition of, the rare beauties, of these humble, 

 but exquisite forms. 



If this book shall be of any service, to any, in 

 opening the way, to a knowledge of this department 

 of Botany, or shall contribute anything, to the pleasures 

 of summer life, by the Sea-side, no small part of the 

 merit, must be accorded, to our enterprising publisher, 

 Mr. S. E. Cassino, at whose urgent solicitation, the 

 work was undertaken, and who has spared no pains, 

 or expense, to make it as valuable, and acceptable, 

 as possible. 



The plates for this volume, are engraved, from 

 photographs, of specimens in my herbarium. In out- 

 line and color, therefore, they represent real plants. 



It is with no small degree of soHcitude that I send 



