PREFACE. 



The Editor of the present edition wishes to add to what is stated in the 

 original Preface as to the objects, purpose, and usefulness of the BOTANICAL 

 Dictionaey, that the rapid and extensive sale of all former issues has 

 confirmed the opinion expressed by the originator of the work, that his 

 little volume just met the wants and wishes of the botanical and horti- 

 cultural world. 



It was on this account that the late Sir Joseph Paxton contemplated 

 the publication of a revised edition, and although prevented by illness from 

 completing his intention, he was yet able to plan and arrange the whole, 

 and to examine the earlier portion of the printed matter, as it issued from 

 the press ; and before his death, to entrust the completion of the work to the 

 present writer, who, for nearly forty years, had laboured under his direction 

 in most of his literary undertakings. 



The alterations and additions to the present edition are numerous and 

 important ; to the abbreviations is added another column, denoting the 

 average height to which the species attain in their native countries, and 

 under ordinary cultivation. 



The names of the natural orders throughout the work have undergone an 

 entire revision ; and such alterations have been made as appeared consonant 

 with the present advanced state of botanical knowledge : in this respect, the 

 arrangement of Dr. Lindley, in his Vegetable Kingdom, has been principally 

 followed, as being perhaps better known than any other in this country ; and 

 Certainly appreciated, if not adopted, in every land where botany is culti- 

 vated and esteemed. 



