Ti PKEFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



attaching the meaning of every specific appellation, and at the same time to afford 

 the most ample means for acquiring a knowledge of all the phrases peculiar to the 

 science, a voluminous glossary has been incorporated ; wherein, in addition to the 

 more abstruse Latin terms, a number of ordinary words that are used botanically 

 in a peculiar sense are fully explained. 



One inestimable quality of a popular synopsis of any sort, is the discreet abridg- 

 ment of uninteresting matter, and detailed record of merely the most attractive 

 particulars. On the judicious selection and proper apportionment of desirable 

 intelligence, the value of a summary entirely rests. In this respect we have much 

 to claim for the volume to which the present address is prefixed. , On account of 

 the extreme scarcity, or non-existence in Britain, of many plants, considerable 

 perplexity has been experienced in assigning "to each species its due share of honour. 

 For this reason, if a few plants are unjustly elevated, and others improperly debased, 

 some little allowance may fairly be expected. Those indigenous species which are 

 ranked with the ornamental sorts, are not to be regarded as worthless because of 

 their commonness, but may be cultivated with advantage in the more secluded and 

 sylvan flower borders. 



To take a general glance at the arrangement and composition of this Dictionary, 

 it will be better to show more lucidly the intent and application of each separate 

 point, and afterwards advert to the abbreviations. Compactness and facile porta- 

 bility being the primary and principal elements of the design, condensation of the 

 letter-press was an inevitable result. On this score, however, we have just grounds 

 for eulogising our printers, as nothing can be more beautiful or perfect than the 

 mechanical execution of the work ; while the objection that might attach to the 

 minuteness of the type, is Completely removed by its exceeding clearness. 



Under the head of each genus, besides the authority for its name, its origin, and 

 position, both in the Linnsean and Natural System, a concise outline is given of its 

 most striking members, with adequate instructions for their cultivation, and obser- 

 vations on their particular medicinal or useful properties. In conformity to the 

 principle of giving prominence to only the most interesting subjects, the worthless 

 genera are passed over with a slight statement of their insignificance ; and to prevent 

 repetition, reference is occasionally made to other genera for directions on treatment, 

 when the habits of both closely correspond. For all the suggestions on culture, we 

 hold ourselves, for the most part, responsible ; the notes in those instances where 

 we have no personal cognizance being extracted from the best authors, with the 

 usual acknowledgments. Immediately succeeding the above-named sketches, a list 

 of specific synonymes is furnished, with figures of allusion affixed to each, and 

 similar ones to the species they represent, by which the observer may instantly 

 perceive what names are applied to the same plant, that in the last or descriptive 

 text being always the most authentic. 



In the enumeration of genera and species, we are indebted chiefly to Mr. Geo. 

 Don's General System of Gardening and Botany, Dr. Lindley's Introduction to the 

 Natural System, and Mr. Loudon's Arboretum et Fruticetum Britannicum, comparing 

 these with all other catalogues extant, — of which Loudon's Eortus Britannicus is 

 the principal and best, — and adopting such readings as are most obviously correct. 

 We rely greatly on our own rigid research into these matters, having been engaged 



