PBEFACE. 



In presenting this account of the Botany of the Island of Socotra to the 

 Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, some explanation is necessary of 

 how it came about that an expedition for the scientific exploration of Socotra 

 was sent from England, and how it happened that I was connected with it. 



In the volume of Reports of the British Association for the Advancement 

 of Science for 1878, page lx, this resolution occurs — 



" That Mr Sclater, Dr G. Hartlaub, Sir Joseph Hooker, Captain J. W. Hunter, and Professor 

 Flower be a committee for the purpose of taking steps for the investigation of the Natural 

 History of Socotra ; that Mr Sclater be the Secretary, and that the sum of £100 be placed at 

 their disposal for the purpose." 



In the Report of the same Association for 1879, page 210, is to be found 

 this — 



" Report of the Committee, consisting of Mr Sclater, Dr G. Hartlaub, Sir Joseph Hooker, 

 Capt. F. M. Hunter, and Professor Flower appointed to take steps for the investigation of the 

 Natural History of Socotra. 



" The Committee have not held any formal meetings, but have been in frequent communi- 

 cation with each other on the subject. The best time for the exploration of Socotra being 

 from November to March, the Committee were not able to make the necessary arrangements 

 last autumn. Next winter, however, they believe that Colonel H. H Godwin- Austen, than 

 whom no more competent naturalist could be found, will be able to undertake an expedition 

 to Socotra, and to make a thorough investigation of its Natural History. Colonel Godwin- 

 Austen has applied to the Surveyor- General of India for the use of some of the assistants on 

 his staff, and proposes to make a complete typographical survey of the island during the 

 expedition. 



" It is estimated that the total cost of the expedition will be about £300. Of this £100, 

 granted by the Association last year, has been received by the Committee, and deposited in 

 the London and County Bank at interest. The sum of £175 having been devoted to this 

 same purpose out of the Government Fund of £4000 administered by the Royal Society, has 

 been paid to Colonel Godwin- Austen, and has been added to the account at the London and 

 County Bank. 



TRANS. ROY. S0C. EDIN. VOL. XXXI. h 



