xii PREFACE. 



to afcertain almoft any vegetable of Caledo- 

 nian birth. 



It may be thought perhaps a little arro- 

 gant, that I fhould attempt a fyflematic 

 arrangement of the plants of a large country, 

 without having fpent m.ore than one fummer 

 in it ; and indeed the imputation would be 

 juft, if I had not received the greateft af- 

 liftance therein from able and ingenious bo- 

 tanlfts, who have relided in that country 

 their whole lives : gentlemen, who have 

 not only permitted me to examine their va- 

 luable collections, but have freely commu- 

 nicated to me the obfervations of many 

 years. 



Among thefe I have the pleafure firft to 

 mention with gratitude the name of Dr. 

 Hopey the prefent celebrated profefTor of 

 botany at Edinburgh, who not only favoured 

 me with the fight of his co^\ows> Her barium y 

 but permitted me the ufe of his notes and 

 obfervations, the refult of a long enquiry. 



To the Rev. Mr. Stuart jun. late of 

 Killin in Breadalbane, now of Lufsy in the 

 county of Dumbartony I am indebted for 



every 



