PREFACE. 



Since the eminent Treub in 1888 published the botanical results 

 of his memorable trip to Krakatao in 1886 much has been written 

 on the new vegetation of the island and gradually scientists have 

 begun to believe that the consecutive authors have contributed to 

 the solution of the problem how the island has covered itself anew 

 with plants and from where these plants came. 



I also once shared that belief. But now I am of another opinion 

 for which I give the grounds hereafter. To the unprejudiced and 

 critical reader it will be clear that I have not contented myself 

 with demolishing old errors but have assiduously tried to find out 

 the truth, to separate the good wheat so scarce alas from the 

 huge amount of chaff. For the rest, let this paper speak for itself. 



I finish by tendering my heart-felt thanks to my learned friend 

 Dr. A. F i t'z for the inestimable and disinterested assistance lent to 

 me in translating the original Dutch text into English and to 

 Messrs. Van Ing en at Sourabaya for their lively interest and loyal 

 assistance in printing this book. 



C. A. Backer. 



