PREFACE. 



This Work is to be regarded as one of a series of Manuals 

 of different branches of Botany, and not as a separate publi- 

 cation. It is by no means the wish or intention of the Au- 

 thor or Publisher, to offer it to the public in any spirit of 

 opposition to the excellent author of the ' Bryologia Britan- 

 nica.' On the contrary, it is hoped that it may be the means 

 of calling the attention of many to his volume, of which it is 

 impossible to speak in too favourable terms, as the slight 

 sketch here presented may excite a wish to apply to the foun- 

 tain-head for fuller information. 



As regards the execution, I can only say that every species 

 of which I could obtain specimens has been carefully reviewed 

 under the microscope ; and as I had, through the kindness of 

 Sir W. J. Hooker, unlimited access to the unrivalled col- 

 lection in Kew, which, amidst a multitude of other authentic 

 specimens, contains almost a complete series of those described 

 by Mr. Wilson, there are very few species which I have been 

 obliged to leave unexamined. I have quoted Mr. Wilson's 



