PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. xv 



the stations given in the -works of Threlkeld, K'Eogh, Browne, 

 "Wade, and in the Floras of Lady Kane, Mactay, Power, Dickie, 

 and Tate. Reference has also been made to many detached papers, 

 and to private contributions which have been furtiished from various 

 quarters. 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 

 succeeded 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 ia the explora- 

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

 to mark one step in advance it wiU 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 inquiries. 

 To Mr. Isaac Ca/rroll, the well-known botanist of Cork ; to Professor 

 George Dichie, of Aberdeen ; to the late Right Son. J. Wynne, of 

 Hazelwood ; to the Rev. Samuel Madden ; to Mr. T. Chamdlee ; to 

 Mr. S. A. Stewart, of Belfast; to Mm S. GruU, of Clonmel; to 

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

 Douglas ; to the Rev. T. Wwrren, of Ennis ; to. Mr. J. Morrison ; to 

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

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

 Professor F. Mwrphy, furnished a list of the plants of Cork county) ; 

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

 Balington, of Cambridge, and Mr. PL, 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 earlier English botanists, not accessible 

 in Dublin; to Mr. Wewlould we are further indebted for a 



