iv PREFACE. 



The form of accentuation has also been changed and rendered as simple as 

 possible, the sounds being indicated by a single mark instead of the long and 

 short accents of the former editions. The grave accent Q) shows that the 

 vowel over which it is placed should be sounded long, as Fdgus, Jambbsa; 

 and the acute accent (') that the sound should be short, as Hdlcus, Jdtropha; 

 in some instances, however, the classical accentuation has been made to yield 

 to the popular pronunciation, of which an instance or two may be quoted. 

 Lycop6dium (classical), Lycopodium (popular) ; Chenop6dium (classical) 

 Chenopddium (popular). The grave accent Q), then, indicates that the 

 vowel over which it is placed is to be sounded by itself, while the acute 

 accent (') denotes that the vowel is to be sounded in conjunction with the 

 following consonant. 



The Editor has to acknowledge the courtesy of those botanists who have 

 kindly furnished him with information on various points, and especially he 

 would mention the valuable assistance rendered by Dr. Masters, who kindly 

 undertook to look over the proof-sheets before they finally went to press. 



In conclusion, the Editor hopes that the present edition of the BOTANICAL 

 Dictionary will be as favourably received by the public as any of the 

 preceding issues ; great care having been bestowed upon its revision, and 

 much new and useful matter added, including the names of several thousands 

 of new plants, which have been introduced into this country during the last 

 twenty years. 



Chatswoeth, 



May, 1868. 



