TO 



WILLIAM HUTTON, ESQ. 



My Dear Sir, 



To none can I with more propriety dedicate the following observations 

 on the Structure of Fossil Plants, than to one who has occupied so large a portion of 

 his time in procuring materials, destined to form the foundation of a collection of 

 vegetable remains, which it may reasonably be expected will become one of the most 

 extensive and important in this or any other country. The use which you have 

 already made, in conjunction with our learned friend Professor Lindley, of the 

 opportunities of examining these objects afforded by your avocations, is sufficiently 

 manifested in the " Fossil Flora of Great Britain," while your unwearied zeal and 

 perseverance have greatly tended to keep in activity any humble powers I may pos- 

 sess. To lend my aid in bringing from their obscure repositories the ancient records 

 of a former state of things, with the view of disclosing the early and mysterious ope- 

 rations of the Great Author of all created things, will ever be to me a source of un- 

 alloyed pleasure. 



I am, 



My Dear Sir, 



Most sincerely yours, 



HENRY T. M. WITHAM. 



Edinburgh, XstJune 1833. 



