PREFACE. ^ vii 



siveand complete vvork, these deficiencies are, comparatively, of little importance. Subsequent 

 study, under more propitious circumstances, will supply what is now wanting. 



The author takes this opportunity of acknowledging the assistance he received duringhis col- 

 lections from the late Dr. Henry Muhlenberg* of Lancaster, and Mr. Correa de Serra: for thc 

 countenance and encouragement of these botanists he shall ever feel himself grateful; from Mr, 

 Zaccheus Collins, also, a gentleman who has united the successful cultivation of botany, with 

 other branches of natural science, the author has received some auxiliary attentions, for which 

 he returns his thanks. 



THE AUTHOR. 



222 Walnut-street, October Ist, 1815. 



• The pious, the learned Muhlenberg is no more! "With him has fallen one of the oldest, the slrongest pillars of that extensive fa- 

 bric his exertions contributed so largely to ralse — the edifice of botanick science in Anieiica. His n»erits, though chiefly coi:fined 

 to nomenclatural botany, were of the highest order. In giving information he was conscientious as truth itself, andhis patience and 

 industry in correcting the errours and confusion of botany, have scarce a parallel. Ever readj' to assist the young botanist, and to 

 banish from hissight, obstacles which in his own progress he himself had perseveringly overcome, it s.cms cxtraordmary that few, 

 if any, of the large number that have profited by his labours and been the objects of his personal or epistolary instruction, should 

 have acknowledged tlie extent of his assistance! The friend, wrhose succour contribuled to raise us to our desired elevation, is often, 

 when no longer useful, cast away! I)r. Muhienberg enjoyed the coiTespondence of some of the first European botanists of the age, 

 Schreber, Smith, Wilklenow, &c. ar\d thc ricli volumesof the Species Planiarum by the latter, are enhanced in no small degree by 

 the communications made to him by our American botanist. Tlie posthumous wnrks of Dr. Muhlenberg are anxiously expected by 

 the lovers of botaiiy. VVTien they are presented to the publick, ard the Flov.- Virglnica of Professor Barton, which is partly print- 

 ed, appears, the chief yirriers to the successful cultivation of boti.ny in thc United States will be removcd— since these, together 

 with Pursh's Flora, al^ady published, though it has not reached this country, will fiU the present chasm in tlie botanical libraries of 

 America. 



