PRBFACIi. T 



series, we have greatly modified, extended, and improved this system, 

 adapting it to the analysis of Species as well as of Orders and Genera. 

 By means of this addition, our Flora is now adapted to class exercise* 

 in analysis throughout, from the Grand division to the Species — an im- 

 improveraent which will bo duly appreciated by the practical teacher. 



An analytical Key to the Orders, mainly artificial, more simple than 

 any hitherto constructed by us, founded, as in the previous edition, 

 almost solely upon characters taken from the flowers and leaves (not 

 fruit), will readily conduct the student to that Order where any given 

 flowering specimen may belong. Next, under the Order, a table of the 

 utmost simplicity, analyzes the Genera, mostly in such a way as to do 

 but little violence to their natural affinities. Lastly, under the Genus 

 (when large enough to require it) another table conducts to the species 

 in groups of twos or threes, which groups are instantly resolved by a 

 brief diagnosis in italics catching the eye in some part of the descrip- 

 tion which follows. 



The limited space allowed us in the Flora compels us to use very 

 sparingly illustrative engravings in this part of our work, which occa- 

 sions us less regret considering the copiousness of illustration in the 

 scientific treatise in the former part. Those engravings are designed 

 partly with reference to the Flora, where frequent references will be 

 found. The few which we have adopted in the Flora, are prepared 

 with reference to the deficiencies of the former part. In other words 

 those which have no illustrative figure in the former treatise are gen- 

 erally furnished with one or more in the Flora. Throughout the work, 

 these arc mostly from original sketches and drawings on wood by the 

 author's own hand. Others are copied from Lindley, Henfrey, Payer, &c. 



In addition to those colaborers in Botany, whose invaluable aid is 

 acknowledged in former editions, namely Dr. Edward E. Phelps, Dr. 

 James W. Eobbins, Dr. Joseph Barratt, Dr. Albert G. Skinner, Mr. I. 

 A. Lapham, Dr. Truman Eicard, Dr. H. P. Sartwell, Dr. John Plum- 

 mer. Dr. S. B. Mead, Mr. S. S. Olney, &c., we have now to mention 

 with grateful acknowledgments other names of equal merit. 



Dr. Josiah Hale of Alexandria, La., has sent us a suit of specimens, 

 well nigh representing the entire Flora of that State. 



Dr. A. W. Chapman of Apalachicola, Fla., presented us with many 

 of the more rare plants of Florida, on the occasion of our recent visit 

 to his own familiar walks. 



Dr. H. A. Mettauer of Macon, Ga., has made contributions of great 

 value from that district, and from the vicinity of Tallahasse and St. 

 Marks, Fla., with many critical notices and observations on the Flora of 

 those States. 



